Data collection takes many forms. One form involves living and working among the people being studied, including speaking their native language. Another form of data collection is field investigations. This includes the analysis of historical records and documents. The laboratory experiment is a third form of data collection.
Social scientists work in many different areas.
Anthropologists study the origin and behavior of humans. Economists study how products are made, how they are distributed, and how they are used. Geographers study the physical make-up of the land and how it affects human life. Historians study the past. Political scientists study the political systems and public policy.