The term for the gathering of data that scientists perform is "data collection." This process is a crucial aspect of scientific research, encompassing various methods such as experiments, observations, and surveys. During data collection, researchers aim to gather reliable and valid information that can be analyzed to draw conclusions or test hypotheses. The methods chosen often depend on the field of study and the type of research being conducted. Proper data collection is essential as it directly influences the quality of the findings and potential outcomes of the research. Ethical considerations are also important, ensuring that data is collected responsibly and with respect to participants.