Empirical research:
Definition, methods and examples

Empirical research: definition

Empirical research is defined as any research in which the conclusions of the study are drawn strictly from concrete empirical and thus "testable" evidence. This empirical evidence can be obtained using quantitative market research and qualitative market research methods.

• Example: A study is conducted to find out whether listening to upbeat music while working enhances creativity. An experiment is conducted using a survey on a music website. One group of subjects is exposed to happy music and the other group listens to no music at all, and the subjects of both groups are then observed. The results of this study will provide empirical evidence as to whether or not music actually promotes creativity.

Empirical research: origins

You have probably heard the quote, "I won't believe it unless I see it." This came from ancient empiricists, and it is a fundamental understanding that fostered the emergence of medieval science during the Renaissance period and laid the foundation for modern science as we know it today. The word itself has its roots in Greece. It derives from the Greek word empeirikos, meaning "experienced."

In today's world, the word empirical usually refers to the collection of data using evidence gathered through observation or experience or using calibrated scientific instruments. All of the above origins have one thing in common, the reliance on observation and experimentation to collect and test data to draw conclusions.

Types and methods of empirical research

Empirical research can be conducted and analysed using qualitative or quantitative methods.

Quantitative research: Quantitative research methods are used in empirical research to collect information through numerical data. They are used to quantify opinions, behaviors or other defined variables. These are predetermined and have a more structured format. Some of the most commonly used methods are online surveys, longitudinal studies, voting, etc.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research methods are used in empirical research to collect non-numerical data. They are used to find meanings, opinions or the underlying causes from the subjects. These methods are unstructured or semi-structured. The sample size for such research is usually small and it is a kind of conversational method to provide more insights or detailed information about the problem. Some of the most common methods are focus groups, experiments, interviews, etc.

Analysis of data. Empirical evidence can also be analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. This allows researchers to answer empirical questions that must be clearly defined and answerable with the evidence obtained. The type of research design used depends on the field in which it is used. Many might opt for within empirical research using both quantitative and qualitative methods to better answer questions that cannot be studied in a laboratory.

Quantitative research methods

Quantitative research methods help in analyzing the collected empirical findings. Using these methods, a researcher can find out whether his hypothesis is proven or not.

Research surveys: Survey research usually involves a large audience to collect a large amount of data. This is a quantitative method with a predetermined set of closed-ended questions that are fairly easy to answer. Because of the simplicity of this method, a high response rate is achieved. It is one of the most commonly used methods for all types of research in today's world.

In the past, surveys were conducted in person using only a recorder. However, with the advancement of technology, new media such as emails or social media have emerged.

• Example: Depletion of energy resources is a growing concern, and therefore awareness of renewable energy is needed. According to new studies, fossil fuels still account for about 80% of energy consumption in the United States. Even though the use of green power is increasing every year, there are certain parameters due to which people still do not prefer green power. To understand why, a survey can be conducted to gather opinions from the general population about green power and the factors that influence their decision to switch to renewable energy. Such survey can help institutions or governing bodies to promote appropriate awareness and incentive schemes to encourage the use of greener energy.

Experimental research: In experimental research, an experiment is set up and a hypothesis is tested by creating a situation in which a variable is manipulated. This is also used to test cause and effect. Thanks to the experiment, one can see what happens to the independent variable when the other is removed or changed. The process of such method is usually following: propose a hypothesis, experiment with it, analyse the results and report on them to understand whether they support the theory or not.

• Example: A particular product company is trying to figure out why it is not able to capture the market. So the organization makes changes in all processes such as manufacturing, marketing, sales and operations. Through the experiment, it understands that sales training has a direct impact on market coverage for its product. If the person is well trained, then the product has better coverage.

Correlation research: Correlation research is used to find the relationship between two sets of variables. Regression is generally used to predict the results of such method. It can be positive, negative or neutral correlation.

• Example: People with higher education level get higher quality jobs. This means that higher education will enable individuals to find a high paying position, and lower education will lead to lower paying jobs.

Longitudinal study: The longitudinal study is used to understand the characteristics or behavior of a subject under observation after the subject has been repeatedly tested over an extended period of time. The data collected can be qualitative or quantitative in nature.

• Example: A research to find out the benefits of physical training. The subject is asked to exercise daily for a period of time and the results show increased endurance and muscle growth. This supports the fact that exercise benefits a single body.

cross-section: Cross-sectional study is an observational method in which a number of subjects are observed at a specific time. Subjects for this method are supposed to have similar variables except the one that is to be studied. This type of research does not allow the researcher to establish a cause-and-effect relationship because the study is not conducted over a continuous period of time. It is mainly used in healthcare or retail settings.

• Example: A medical study to find the prevalence of malnutrition disorders in children of a particular population. This involves examining a variety of parameters such as age, ethnicity, location, income, and social background. If a substantial number of children from poor families have malnutrition disorders, the researcher may investigate them further. Usually, a cross-sectional study is followed by a longitudinal study to find out the exact cause.

Causal comparison research: This method is based on comparison. It is mainly used to find out the cause-effect relationship between two variables or even several variables.

For example: A researcher has measured the productivity of two groups of employees (with breaks during work and without) in a company.

Qualitative research methods

Some research questions within empirical research must be analysed qualitatively because quantitative methods are not applicable there. In many cases, more in-depth information is required or a researcher needs to observe target audience behavior so that the required results are presented in descriptive form. Qualitative research findings will be descriptive rather than predictive. This method allows the researcher to build or support theories for future potential quantitative research. In such situation, qualitative research methods are used to derive a conclusion that supports the theory or hypothesis.

Case study: The case study method is used to obtain more information through a careful analysis of existing cases. It is very often used for business research or to collect empirical findings for investigative purposes. It is a method of examining a problem in its real life context through existing cases. The researcher must carefully analyse whether the parameters and variables in the present case correspond to the new case. Based on the results of the case study, conclusions can be drawn about the topic of the study.

• Example: A company provides a report with the solution to its customer. Also, the challenges that arose during initiation and deployment, the results, and the proposed solutions. Such case studies are used by most companies as they form an empirical evidence that the company needs to evolve in order to achieve higher profit.

Observation method: Observation method is a process of observation and collection of data. Since it is a qualitative method, it is time consuming and very personal. It could be said that the observation method is a part of ethnographic research, which is also used to collect empirical evidence. This is usually a qualitative form of research, but in some cases it can be quantitative, depending on what is being studied.

• Example: Research to observe a particular animal in the Amazon rainforests. Such research usually takes a long time because the observation must be done for a certain period of time to study patterns or behavior of the animal. Another example that is widely used today is observing people shopping in a mall to find out consumer buying behavior.

One-on-one conversation: This method is purely qualitative and one of the most widely used. The reason is that researchers can get precise meaningful data if the right questions are asked. It is an interview method where detailed data can be collected depending on where the interview leads.

• Example: A face-to-face interview with the Minister of Finance to collect data on the country's fiscal policies and their impact on the public.

Focus groups: Focus groups are used when a researcher wants to find answers to why, what, and how questions. A small group is usually selected for this method, and it is not necessary to interact with the group in person. A facilitator is needed if the group is addressed in person. This is often used by product companies to collect data about their brands and the product.

• Example: A cell phone manufacturer who wants feedback on the dimensions of one of their models that has not yet hit the market. Such studies help the company to meet the customer's requirements and position the model accordingly in the market.

Text analysis: Text analysis is somewhat new compared to the other types. This method is used to analyse the social life by studying images or words of the individual. In today's world where social media is a big part of life, this method of research allows us to follow the pattern that best suits the study.

• Example: Many companies ask customers for feedback, mentioning in detail how satisfied they are with the customer service team. This data allows the researcher to make appropriate decisions to make their support team better.

Sometimes, a combination of methods is also required for some questions that cannot be answered by just one method, especially when a researcher needs to gain a complete understanding of complex issues.

Steps for Conducting Empirical Research

Since empirical research is based on observation and experience collection, it is important to plan and analyse the steps to conduct the experiment. In this way, the researcher can solve problems or obstacles that may arise during the experiment.

Step #1: Define the purpose of the research.

This is the step where the researcher must answer the following questions: What exactly do I want to find out? What is the problem statement? Are there issues related to availability of knowledge, data, time, or resources? Will this research be more beneficial than the cost?

Before conducting, researchers must clearly define its research purpose and establish a plan for completing other tasks.

Step #2: Supporting theories and relevant literature

Researcher must find out if there are theories that can be related to his research problem. He needs to determine if any theory can help him support the findings. All types of relevant literature will help the researcher find if there are other researchers who have researched this before or what the problems are with this research. The researcher also needs to make assumptions and learn if there is a history to their research problem.

Step #3: Hypothesis creation and measurement

Before beginning the actual research, one must create a working hypothesis or predict what the likely outcome will be. Researchers need to set up variables, determine the environment for the research, and figure out how to connect the variables.

Researchers also need to determine the units of measurement, the degree of tolerance for error, and figure out if the measurement chosen is acceptable to others.

Step #4: Methodology, research design and data collection

In this step, the researcher must define a strategy for conducting his empirical research. He must set up experiments to collect data that will allow him to propose the hypothesis. The researcher decides whether he needs an experimental or non-experimental method to conduct the research. The type of research design varies depending on the field in which the research is conducted. Last but not least, the researcher needs to find out parameters that affect the validity of the research design. Data collection must be done by selecting appropriate samples depending on the research question. To conduct the research, he can use one of the many sampling techniques. Once the data collection is completed, the researcher has empirical data that needs to be analysed.

Step #5: Data analysis and result

Data analysis can be done in two ways in empirical research, qualitative and quantitative. The researcher needs to figure out which qualitative or quantitative method is required or if he needs a combination of the two. Depending on the analysis of his data, he will know whether his hypothesis is supported or rejected. Analyzing this data is the most important part of supporting the hypothesis.

Step #6: Conclusion

A report of the results of the research must be prepared. The researcher can cite the theories and literature that support his research. He may make suggestions or recommendations for further research on his topic.

Cycle of methodology of empirical research

Adriaan de Groot, a famous Dutch psychologist and chess expert, conducted some of the most remarkable chess experiments in the 1940s. During his studies he developed a cycle that is consistent and is now widely used for empirical research. It consists of 5 phases. The empirical cycle captures the hypothesis development process, information about how certain aspects work or behave, and then tests that hypothesis with empirical data in a systematic and rigorous approach. The cycle can be said to characterize the deductive approach to science.

ObservationIn this phase, an idea for the hypothesis is sparked. Empirical data are collected by means of observation. For example: a certain type of flower blooms in a different color only during a certain season.

induction: Inductive reasoning is then used to draw a general conclusion from the data obtained through observation. For example: As mentioned earlier, it is observed that flower species bloom in a different color during a particular season. A researcher may ask a question, "Does the temperature during the season cause the color change in the flower?" He may assume that this is the case, but it is purely a guess and therefore an experiment must be conducted to support this hypothesis. So he marks a few flowers kept at a different temperature and observes if they change color.

Deduction: This phase helps the researcher draw a conclusion from his experiment. This must be based on logic and rationality to produce specific unbiased results. For example: In the experiment, if the marked flowers do not change color in a different temperature environment, it can be concluded that temperature plays a role in changing the color of the flower.

Test: In this phase, the researcher returns to empirical methods to subject his hypothesis to a text. The researcher must now understand his data and therefore use statistical methods to determine the temperature and flower color relationship. If the researcher finds that most flowers are a different color at a certain temperature and the others are not, he has found support for his hypothesis. Please note that this is not proof, only support for his hypothesis.

Rating: This phase is forgotten by most, but is important to keep gaining knowledge. In this phase, the researcher brings forward the data he collected, the support argument, and his conclusion. The researcher also states the limitations of the experiment and his hypothesis and suggests tips on how others can take it up and continue more in-depth research in the future.

Advantages of empirical research

There is a reason why empirical research is one of the most widely used methods. There are several advantages associated with it. This research method is used to authenticate traditional research through various experiments and observations. It makes the research conducted more competent and authentic.
It enables the researcher to understand the dynamic changes that occur and change his strategy accordingly. The degree of control in such research is high so that the researcher can control multiple variables.
It plays a crucial role in increasing internal validity.

Disadvantages of empirical research

Even though empirical research makes the research more competent and authentic, it has some disadvantages. The following are some of them. Such research requires patience as it can be very time consuming. The researcher has to collect data from various sources, and the parameters involved are quite numerous, which will lead to time-consuming research. Most of the time, a researcher has to conduct research in different places or environments, which can be expensive. There are some rules according to which experiments can be conducted, and thus different permissions are required. Often it is very difficult to get certain permissions to perform different methods of this research.

The collection of data can sometimes be problematic because it must be collected from a variety of sources using a variety of methods.

Why is there such a big one?
Need for empirical research?

Empirical research is important in today's world because most people only believe in what they can see, hear or experience. It is used to validate multiple hypotheses and expand human knowledge and continue to do so in order to keep advancing in various fields.

For example: pharmaceutical companies use empirical research to test a certain drug in controlled groups or random groups to study the effect and cause. In this way, they prove certain theories that they had proposed for that particular drug. This research is very important because it can sometimes lead to finding a cure for a disease that has existed for many years. Such research is useful not only in science but also in many other fields like history, social sciences, economics, etc.

With the progress in today's world, empirical research has become critical and the norm in many fields to support hypotheses and gain more knowledge. The above methods are very useful for conducting such research, but a number of new methods will always emerge as the nature of new research questions continues to change.

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Empirical research | Research studies | Survey research | Empirical | Analyze data