One critical question whenever you collect information is: “how much information do I need?” For quantitative information, you can use confidence intervals to answer this question. But in most cases, you will also be having qualitative information for which there is no clear answer to the question of how much information to collect.

Even when the information is qualitative, there is a convergence process that occurs in collection information. At first, you gather information that offers a variety of insights. As the information process continues, you will find many of the insights start to repeat themselves. Other insights may fade in importance as additional information is presented, and the insights appear to be isolated and not trends. When this convergence occurs, the information collection can be concluded.

In some cases, information may not be accurate. The journalism professional uses the two-source rule to validate the information provided. A similar rule could be used in a technical project. Information needs to be validated from additional sources. The information collection process should continue until there is a clear indication of validity.