Throughout most of human history, events or scenarios were examined using logical beliefs or assumptions. There was no focus on transparent and solid evidence to understand something efficiently. With time, during the scientific era of human history, humans tried to understand the world using numbers and evidence-based data and information. This is when empirical research came onto the scene.
Nowadays, whenever scientists face a problem in the world, they undertake empirical research to understand the ongoing situation rather than using different beliefs or assumptions. This helps them to understand the world scientifically. As theoretical research relies on logical beliefs or assumptions, empirical research relies on evidence-based actual data and observations.
Look into this blog to thoroughly understand empirical research, its key features, purposes, advantages, disadvantages, types, examples, and essential steps to conduct it efficiently.
What is Empirical Research?
Empirical research originated from the Greek term empeirikos which means “experienced”. This term was used for those people who started deviating from their dogmatic beliefs and focusing on the observed scenario. These days, the word Empirical is used for the data collection methods through observation or experience using scientific tools.
Empirical Research Definition
Empirical research is defined as the method of gaining knowledge using empirical evidence that is collected by direct and indirect observation or experience. The empirical evidence is collected by using either quantitative or qualitative research.
Empirical research helps answer questions such as, “How the world is?” and “How does the world work?”. It is related to actual events or scenarios, which is different from theoretical research concerned with logical explorations or assumptions.
Empirical Research Example:
Suppose a company conducts empirical research to study the mental health of remote staff compared to on-site. Research will be carried out by dividing them into two groups. Data will be comprehensively collected from both sides and observed. The conclusions drawn from this research will provide solid empirical evidence to help the company understand the mental health of remote and on-site staff separately.
Key Features of Empirical Research
The key features of empirical research are given as follows:
- It is Objective
Empirical research is objective because it is evidence-based and relies on numbering data rather than subjective data and interpretation, which can lead to different research biases.
- It is Analytical
Empirical research doesn’t only involve understanding an event by collecting data but it also utilises analytical means to extract meaningful insights.
- It Follows a Systematic Approach
Empirical research follows a systematic approach containing a structured methodology. It helps to ensure that research is persistent and replicable.
- It is Qualifiable
When empirical research is used in quantitative research, results can be presented in numerical form, which significantly makes them quantifiable.
- It is Testable & Verifiable
Empirical research is testable and verifiable because the results drawn from it can be analysed and reviewed by other researchers. It helps to ensure reliability and transparency.
- It is Evidence-Based
Empirical research is strictly based on real-world, concrete data and evidence. It does not rely on theoretical data, such as beliefs or assumptions.
Purpose of Empirical Research in Different Fields
Empirical research is used in various fields of study to enhance the knowledge and theories of particular fields. Here is how empirical research is used in different fields and for what purposes:
Education
Empirical research is predominantly used in education for various purposes, such as to thoroughly understand student behaviour, develop curricula, and study educational interventions. By using empirical research efficiently, researchers aim to improve learning outcomes successfully.
Business
The business field also significantly relies on empirical research to examine consumer behaviour, market research, and the feasibility of a specific business plan. This helps businesses to ensure profitability and sustainability.
Natural & Social Sciences
Empirical research plays an integral role in scientific advancements. It allows researchers to test hypotheses, discover new phenomena, and validate theories. It is primarily used in medical surveys and clinical trials.
Arts and Humanities
Empirical research is also so much used in subjective field, such as arts and humanities. It helps researchers assess the influence of art on the masses and understand the audience’s reaction toward a particular play by collecting solid evidence.
Public Policy
Most of the public policy is based on empirical studies. Public laws are often made using evidence-based data rather than using ideologies. For example, policy policymakers develop road safety laws by collecting empirical data and informing the public about the causes and preventions of road accidents.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Empirical Research
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of empirical research:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| It is used to generate knowledge based on real-life experience or observation. | It can be time-consuming, as researchers have to collect data from multiple sources. |
| It is used to validate a theory using experiments and findings. | Data and information collected by researchers are prone to observer bias. |
| It allows researchers to study change and control it efficiently. | It is expensive because data is collected from different sources and locations. |
| It is authentic and competent. | Permissions are needed, which can be discouraging for researchers. |
Types of Empirical Research
The following are the types of empirical research:
- Quantitative Research
Quantitative research focuses on understanding a particular event or phenomenon using numerical data. It is usually used to study behaviour, perspectives, trends, and preferences using numbers. Quantitative research is structured. Here are the different quantitative empirical research methods:
- Surveys: Involves an extensive audience to collect large amounts of data.
- Experimental Research: Involves an experiment in which one variable is manipulated to check cause and effect.
- Correlational Research: Refers to understanding the relation between two variables.
- Longitudinal Study: Involves repeatedly testing a subject over a long period to understand its behaviour or traits.
- Cross-sectional study: A data collection method to analyse data from different populations at a single point in time.
- Qualitative Research
Qualitative research focuses on understanding a particular event or phenomenon using non-numerical data. It is used to study prospective individuals’ views, opinions, behaviour, reasons, or meanings. Qualitative research is semi-structured or unstructured. Here are the different qualitative empirical research methods:
- Case Study: A method used to investigate a problem thoroughly by analysing existing cases.
- One-on-one interview: Involves data collection by asking in-depth questions from participants during interviews.
- Observational Method: A data collection method involves observing the research prospect.
- Text Analysis: Involves collecting data to analyse the life of participants using words and images they use.
- Focus Groups: Involves using a small population group to find answers to why, what, and how questions.
Difference Between Empirical and Theoretical Research
Empirical research deals with observation or experiences, while theoretical research deals with hypothetical beliefs or assumptions. Here are the key differences between empirical and theoretical research:
| Empirical Research | Theoretical Research |
|---|---|
| It relies on direct or indirect observations or experiences. | It relies on logical belief, assumption, and hypothetical scenarios. |
| It is used to generate knowledge using primary data collection. | It is used to derive knowledge using existing literature or theories. |
| It used qualitative or quantitative research to examine a scenario. | It uses existing literature, principles, or models to examine a scenario. |
| Its goal is to validate or disapprove existing theories. | Its goal is to create a foundation to understand a particular concept. |
| Surveys, experiments, and case studies are used for data collection. | Existing knowledge, insights, and theoretical frameworks are used to construct new ones. |
How to Conduct Empirical Research?
Empirical research revolves around observations or experiences. Researchers all around the world conduct this research to provide solutions to different ongoing problems. Here are essential steps to conduct empirical research efficiently:
Step 1: Determine Your Research Objectives
The first step to conducting empirical research is to determine your research objectives. You should be clear about why you are conducting your research and what could be the outcomes of it. You should precisely state the problem or research gap you’re facing that requires addressing.
Step 2: Review Existing Literature and Theories
After determining research objectives, reviewing existing literature and theories is important. It will help you understand the previous problem and the steps to provide effective solutions. Moreover, reviewing exciting theories will help you support and cite your research study outcomes.
Step 3: Create an Initial Hypothesis
The next step is to create an initial hypothesis and establish what could be the result of this research. You should set up variables and research context and elaborate on measurement units, such as margin of error. You should also check if this measurement is accepted by others.
Step 4: Formulate Research Design and Methodology
After creating an initial hypothesis, you should formulate a research design and methodology. You should efficiently choose which data collection methods you will use and why. The data collection methods will be based on the type of research you will choose. Also, determine the potential influences of the research design.
Step 5: Collect the Research Data
It’s time to collect data when you have successfully drawn research design and methodology. Map out your audience and collect the desired data and information from them by questionnaires, one-on-one interviews, or recording their response.
Step 6: Analyse the Data and Derive Results
After collecting the data efficiently, the next step is to analyse the collected data. The data analysis can be done in either quantitative or qualitative ways. It is on you to determine the best way to use their combination. Analysing data helps to derive results, which further helps to know whether it supports your hypothesis.
Step 7: Finalise by Making a Conclusion
The last step is to finalise your research by concluding. The conclusion must include all the findings of the research and the steps taken to conduct the research. Also, provide all the sources you used to conduct your research and add recommendations for the aspirant researchers.
Empirical Research Examples
Here are the different examples of empirical research that will significantly help you understand this concept thoroughly:
Example 1: Empirical Research in Psychology
Imagine a researcher who wants to analyse the impact of music on people’s creativity and efficiency. Empirical research can be conducted where two groups of people are asked to complete a creative task, one is exposed to music, and the other is not.
Example 2: Empirical Research in Law
Empirical research in law is conducted to understand how laws are made, their implications, how legal institutions work, how laws are implemented in different sectors of life, and how they influence citizens’ actions, attitudes, and expectations.
Example 3: Empirical Research in Business
Suppose an electronics business wants to launch its new LEDs in the market. Before it, they will be more likely to conduct empirical research to test its products using focus groups and interviews. It will help refine its products and make it useful for consumers.
Example 4: Empirical Research in Medicine
Whenever a global pharmaceutical company makes a particular medicine or vaccine, it conducts empirical research by using clinical trials to test the quality and efficiency of its medicines and drugs so that they can be approved for public use.
Example 5: Empirical Research in Marketing
Consider a toy company that wants to launch its marketing strategy in the country. They will conduct empirical research to identify areas with a high density of prospective consumers, such as families and kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Empirical research refers to testing a hypothesis using empirical evidence collected by direct or indirect observation or experience. It relies on evidence-based data and information instead of logical beliefs and assumptions.
Here are the advantages of empirical research:
- It is used to validate a theory using experiments and findings
- It allows researchers to study change and control it efficiently
- It is authentic and competent
These are different empirical data collection methods:
- Surveys
- Experiments
- Focus Study
