Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and
Examples
Content Index
1. Empirical research: Definition
2. Empirical research: Origin
3. Types and methodologies of empirical research
1. Quantitative research methods
2. Qualitative research methods
4. Steps for conducting empirical research
5. Empirical research methodology cycle
6. Advantages of Empirical research
7. Disadvantages of Empirical research
8. Why is there a need for empirical research?
Empirical research: Definition
Empirical research is defined as any research where conclusions of the study is strictly
drawn from concretely empirical evidence, and therefore “verifiable” evidence. This
empirical
evidence
can
be
gathered
using quantitative
market
research and qualitative market research methods. For example: A research is being
conducted to find out if listening to happy music in the workplace while working may
promote creativity? An experiment is conducted by using a music website survey on
a set of audience who are exposed to happy music and another set who are not
listening to music at all, and the subjects are then observed. The results derived from
such research will give empirical evidence if it does promote creativity or not.
Empirical research: Origin
You must have heard the quote” I will not believe it unless I see it”. This came from
the ancient empiricists, a fundamental understanding that powered the emergence of
medieval science during the renaissance period and laid the foundation of modern
science, as we know it today. The word itself has its roots in greek. It is derived from
the greek word empeirikos which means “experienced”. In today’s world, the word
empirical refers to collection of data using evidence that is collected through
observation or experience or by using calibrated scientific instruments. All of the above
origins have one thing in common which is dependence of observation and
experiments to collect data and test them to come up with conclusions.
Types and methodologies of empirical research
Empirical research can be conducted and analysed using qualitative or quantitative
methods.
 Quantitative
research: Quantitative research methods are used to gather
information through numerical data. It is used to quantify opinions, behaviors
or other defined variables. These are predetermined and are in a more
structured format. Some of the commonly used methods are survey,
longitudinal studies, polls, etc
 Qualitative research: Qualitative research methods are used to gather non
numerical data. It is used to find meanings, opinions, or the underlying
reasons from its subjects. These methods are unstructured or semi
structured. The sample size for such a research is usually small and it is a
conversational type of method to provide more insight or in-depth information
about the problem Some of the most popular forms of methods are focus
groups, experiments, interviews, etc.
Data collected from these will need to be analysed. Empirical evidence can also be
analysed either quantitatively and qualitatively. Using this, the researcher can answer
empirical questions which have to be clearly defined and answerable with the findings
he has got. The type of research design used will vary depending on the field in which
it is going to be used. Many of them might choose to do a collective research involving
quantitative and qualitative method to better answer questions which cannot be
studied in a laboratory setting.
Quantitative research methods
Quantitative research methods aid in analyzing the empirical evidence gathered. By
using these a researcher can find out if his hypothesis is supported or not.
 Survey research: Survey research generally involves a large audience to
collect a large amount of data. This is a quantitative method having a
predetermined set of closed questions which are pretty easy to answer.
Because of the simplicity of such a method, high responses are achieved. It
is one of the most commonly used methods for all kinds of research in today’s
world.
Previously, surveys were taken face to face only with maybe a recorder. However,
with advancement in technology and for ease, new mediums such as emails, or social
media have emerged.
For example: Depletion of energy resources is a growing concern and hence there is
a need for awareness about renewable energy. According to recent studies, fossil
fuels still account for around 80% of energy consumption in the United States. Even
though there is a rise in the use of green energy every year, there are certain
parameters because of which the general population is still not opting for green
energy. In order to understand why, a survey can be conducted to gather opinions of
the general population about green energy and the factors that influence their choice
of switching to renewable energy. Such a survey can help institutions or governing
bodies to promote appropriate awareness and incentive schemes to push 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 one of
the variable is manipulated. This is also used to check cause and effect. It is
tested to see what happens to the independent variable if the other one is
removed or altered. The process for such a method is usually proposing a
hypothesis, experimenting on it, analyzing the findings and reporting the
findings to understand if it supports the theory or not.
For example: A particular product company is trying to find what is the reason for them
to not be able to capture the market. So the organisation makes changes in each one
of the processes like manufacturing, marketing, sales and operations. Through the
experiment they understand that sales training directly impacts the market coverage
for their product. If the person is trained well, then the product will have better
coverage.
 Correlational
research: Correlational research is used to find relation
between two set of variables. Regression analysis is generally used to
predict outcomes of such a method. It can be positive, negative or neutral
correlation.
For example: Higher educated individuals will get higher paying jobs. This means
higher education enables the individual to high paying job and less education will lead
to lower paying jobs.
 Longitudinal study: Longitudinal study is used to understand the traits or
behavior of a subject under observation after repeatedly testing the subject
over a period of time. Data collected from such a method can be qualitative
or quantitative in nature.
For example: A research to find out benefits of exercise. The target is asked to
exercise every day for a particular period of time and the results show higher
endurance, stamina, and muscle growth. This supports the fact that exercise benefits
an individual body.
 Cross sectional: Cross sectional study is an observational type of method, in
which a set of audience is observed at a given point in time. In this type, the
set of people are chosen in a fashion which depicts similarity in all the
variables except the one which is being researched. This type does not
enable the researcher to establish a cause-and-effect relationship as it is not
observed for a continuous time period. It is majorly used by healthcare sector
or the retail industry.
For example: A medical study to find the prevalence of under-nutrition disorders in
kids of a given population. This will involve looking at a wide range of parameters like
age, ethnicity, location, incomes and social backgrounds. If a significant number of
kids coming from poor families show under-nutrition disorders, the researcher can
further investigate into it. Usually, a cross sectional study is followed by a longitudinal
study to find out the exact reason.
 Causal-Comparative research: This method is based on comparison. It is
mainly used to find out cause-effect relationship between two variables or
even multiple variables.
For example: A researcher measured the productivity of employees in a company
which gave breaks to the employees during work and compared that to the employees
of the company which did not give breaks at all.
Qualitative research methods
Some research questions need to be analysed qualitatively, as quantitative methods
are not applicable there. In many cases, in-depth information is needed or a
researcher may need to observe a target audience behavior, hence the results needed
are in a descriptive analysis form. Qualitative research results will be descriptive rather
than predictive. It enables the researcher to build or support theories for future
potential quantitative research. In such a situation qualitative research methods are
used to derive a conclusion to support the theory or hypothesis being studied.
 Case study: Case study method is used to find more information through
carefully analyzing existing cases. It is very often used for business research
or to gather empirical evidence for investigation purpose. It is a method to
investigate a problem within its real life context through existing cases. The
researcher has to carefully analyse making sure the parameter and variables
in the existing case are the same as to the case that is being investigated.
Using the findings from the case study, conclusions can be drawn regarding
the topic that is being studied.
For example: A report mentioning the solution provided by a company to its client. The
challenges they faced during initiation and deployment, the findings of the case and
solutions they offered for the problems. Such case studies are used by most
companies as it forms an empirical evidence for the company to promote in order to
get more business.
 Observational method: Observational method is a process to observe and
gather data from its target. Since it is a qualitative method it is time consuming
and very personal. It can be said that observational research method is a part
of ethnographic research which is also used to gather empirical evidence.
This is usually a qualitative form of research, however in some cases it can
be quantitative as well depending on what is being studied.
For example: setting up a research to observe a particular animal in the rain-forests of
amazon. Such a research usually take a lot of time as observation has to be done for
a set amount of time to study patterns or behavior of the subject. Another example
used widely nowadays is to observe people shopping in a mall to figure out buying
behavior of consumers.
 One-on-one interview: Such a method is purely qualitative and one of the
most widely used. The reason being it enables a researcher get precise
meaningful data if the right questions are asked. It is a conversational method
where in-depth data can be gathered depending on where the conversation
leads.
For example: A one-on-one interview with the finance minister to gather data on
financial policies of the country and its implications 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 generally chosen
for such a method and it is not necessary to interact with the group in person.
A moderator is generally needed in case the group is being addressed in
person. This is widely used by product companies to collect data about their
brands and the product.
For example: A mobile phone manufacturer wanting to have a feedback on the
dimensions of one of their models which is yet to be launched. Such studies help the
company meet the demand of the customer and position their model appropriately in
the market.
 Text analysis: Text analysis method is a little new compared to the other types.
Such a method is used to analyse social life by going through images or
words used by the individual. In today’s world, with social media playing a
major part of everyone’s life, such a method enables the research to follow
the pattern that relates to his study.
For example: A lot of companies ask for feedback from the customer in detail
mentioning how satisfied are they with their customer support team. Such data
enables the researcher to take appropriate decisions to make their support team
better. Sometimes a combination of the methods is also needed for some questions
that cannot be answered using only one type of method especially when a researcher
needs to gain a complete understanding of complex subject matter. Since empirical
research is based on observation and capturing experiences, it is important to plan the
steps to conduct the experiment and how to analyse it. This will enable the researcher
to resolve problems or obstacles which can occur during the experiment.
Step #1: Define the purpose of the research
This is the step where the researcher has to answer questions like what exactly do I
want to find out? What is the problem statement? Are there any issues in terms of the
availability of knowledge, data, time or resources. Will this research be more beneficial
than what it will cost.
Before going ahead, a researcher has to clearly define his purpose for the research
and set up a plan to carry out further tasks.
Step #2 : Supporting theories and relevant literature
The researcher needs to find out if there are theories which can be linked to
his research problem. He has to figure out if any theory can help him support his
findings. All kind of relevant literature will help the researcher to find if there are others
who have researched this before, or what are the problems faced during this research.
The researcher will also have to set up assumptions and also find out if there is any
history regarding his research problem
Step #3: Creation of Hypothesis and measurement
Before beginning the actual research he needs to provide himself a working
hypothesis or guess what will be the probable result. Researcher has to set up
variables, decide the environment for the research and find out how can he relate
between the variables.
Researcher will also need to define the units of measurements, tolerable degree for
errors, and find out if the measurement chosen will be acceptable by others.
Step #4: Methodology, research design and data collection
In this step, the researcher has to define a strategy for conducting his research. He
has to set up experiments to collect data which will enable him to propose the
hypothesis. The researcher will decide whether he will need experimental or non
experimental method for conducting the research. The type of research design will
vary depending on the field in which the research is being conducted. Last but not the
least, the researcher will have to find out parameters that will affect the validity of the
research design. Data collection will need to be done by choosing appropriate samples
depending on the research question. To carry out the research, he can use one of the
many sampling techniques. Once data collection is complete, researcher will have
empirical data which needs to be analysed.
Step #5: Data Analysis and result
Data analysis can be done in two ways, qualitatively and quantitatively. Researcher
will need to find out what qualitative method or quantitative method will be needed or
will he need a combination of both. Depending on the unit of analysis of his data, he
will know if his hypothesis is supported or rejected. Analyzing this data is the most
important part to support his hypothesis.
Step #6: Conclusion
A report will need to be made with the findings of the research. The researcher can
give the theories and literature that support his research. He can make suggestions or
recommendations for further research on his topic.
Advantages of Empirical research
There is a reason why empirical research is one of the most widely used method.
There are a few advantages associated with it. Following are a few of them.
 It is used to authenticate traditional research through various experiments and
observations.
 This
research methodology makes the research being conducted more
competent and authentic.
 It enables a researcher understand the dynamic changes that can happen and
change his strategy accordingly.
 The level of control in such a research is high so the researcher can control
multiple variables.
 It plays a vital role in increasing internal validity.
Disadvantages of Empirical research
Even though empirical research makes the research more competent and authentic,
it does have a few disadvantages. Following are a few of them.
 Such a research needs patience as it can be very time consuming. The
researcher has to collect data from multiple sources and the parameters
involved are quite a few, which will lead to a time consuming research.
 Most of the time, a researcher will need to conduct research at different
locations or in different environments, this can lead to an expensive affair.
 There are a few rules in which experiments can be performed and hence
permissions are needed. Many a times, it is very difficult to get certain
permissions to carry out different methods of this research.
 Collection of data can be a problem sometimes, as it has to be collected from
a variety of sources through different methods.
Why is there a need for empirical research?
Empirical research is important in today’s world because most people believe in
something only that they can see, hear or experience. It is used to validate multiple
hypothesis and increase human knowledge and continue doing it to keep advancing
in various fields.
For example: Pharmaceutical companies use empirical research to try out a specific
drug on controlled groups or random groups to study the effect and cause. This way,
they prove certain theories they had proposed for the specific drug. Such research is
very important as sometimes it can lead to finding a cure for a disease that has existed
for many years. It is useful in science and many other fields like history, social
sciences, business, etc.
With the advancement in today’s world, empirical research has become critical and a
norm in many fields to support their hypothesis and gain more knowledge. The
methods mentioned above are very useful for carrying out such research. However, a
number of new methods will keep coming up as the nature of new investigative
questions keeps getting unique or changing.