Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples - QuestionPro

Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples | QuestionPro 21.03.
2020, 21:29
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH: DEFINITION,

METHODS, TYPES AND EXAMPLES
by Adi Bhat (https://www.questionpro.com/blog/author/adityabhat/)

Global VP - Sales and Marketing at QuestionPro
Home ! Consumer Insights ! Market Research Search Blogs Search
CREATE,
SEND AND
ANALYZE
YOUR
ONLINE SURVEY
COMPLETELY
FREE
CREATE SURVEY NOW

(/A/SHOWENTRY.DO?
Content Index SOURCEREF=BLOG)
1. Empirical research: Definition
2. Empirical research: Origin
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/empirical-research/ Page 1 of 22
Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples | QuestionPro 21.03.2020, 21:29
3. Types and methodologies of empirical research
3.1 . Quantitative research methods
3.2 . 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 con-
cretely empirical evidence, and therefore “verifiable”
evidence.
This empirical evidence can be gathered using quanti-

tative market research (https://www.questionpro.-
com/blog/quantitative-market-research/) and qualita-
tive market research (https://www.questionpro.-
com/blog/qualitative-market-research/) methods.
For example: A research is being conducted to find out

if listening to happy music while working may promote
creativity? An experiment is conducted by using a music
website survey (https://www.questionpro.com/survey-
templates/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 a re-

search 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 un-
less I see it”. This came from the ancient empiricists, a
fundamental understanding that powered the emer-
gence of medieval science during the renaissance peri-
od 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 (https://www.questionpro.com/blog/data-col-
lection/) using evidence that is collected through ob-
servation or experience or by using calibrated scientific
instruments. All of the above origins have one thing in
common which is dependence of observation and ex-
periments to collect data and test them to come up
with conclusions.
Types and methodologies of empirical research
Empirical research can be conducted and analysed us-

ing qualitative or quantitative methods.
Quantitative research: Quantitative research

methods
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/quantitative-
research/) are used to gather information through
numerical data. It is used to quantify opinions,

behaviors or other defined variables
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/nominal-
ordinal-interval-ratio/). 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

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/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. Em-

pirical evidence can also be analysed either quantita-
tively 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 (https://www.questionpro.-
com/blog/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 (https://www.question-

pro.com/blog/quantitative-research/) aid in analyzing
the empirical evidence gathered. By using these a re-
searcher can find out if his hypothesis is supported or
not.
Survey research: Survey research

(https://www.questionpro.com/article/survey-
research.html) 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
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/good-survey-
response-rate/) are achieved. It is one of the most
commonly used methods for all kinds of research
in today’s world.
Previously, surveys (https://www.questionpro.-

com/blog/surveys/) were taken face to face only with
maybe a recorder. However, with advancement in tech-
nology and for ease, new mediums such as emails
(https://www.questionpro.com/features/email-your-
survey.html), or social media (https://www.question-
pro.com/features/social-network.html) 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 fu-
els 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 para-
meters 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 fac-
tors that influence their choice of switching to renew-
able energy. Such a survey can help institutions or gov-
erning bodies to promote appropriate awareness and
incentive schemes to push the use of greener energy.
Learn more: Renewable Energy Survey Template

(https://www.questionpro.com/survey-templates/re-
newable-energy-survey/)
Experimental research: In experimental research

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/experimental-
research/), an experiment is set up and a
hypothesis is tested by creating a situation in
which one of the variable
ordinal-interval-ratio/) 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 cap-
ture the market. So the organisation makes changes in
each one of the processes like manufacturing, market-

ing, sales and operations. Through the experiment they
understand that sales training directly impacts the mar-
ket coverage for their product. If the person is trained
well, then the product will have better coverage.
Correlational research: Correlational research

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/correlational-
research/) is used to find relation between two set
of variables
ordinal-interval-ratio/). Regression 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 high-

er 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

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/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 everyday 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

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/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 back-
grounds. If a significant number of kids coming from
poor families show under-nutrition disorders, the re-
searcher 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 em-
ployees during work and compared that to the employ-
ees of the company which did not give breaks at all.
Qualitative research methods
Some research questions (https://www.questionpro.-

com/article/research-questions.html) need to be an-
alysed 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 form. Qualitative research results will be
descriptive rather than predictive. It enables the re-
searcher to build or support theories for future poten-
tial quantitative research. In such a situation qualitative
research methods (https://www.questionpro.-
com/blog/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(/A/SHOWENTRY.DO?SOURCEREF=BLOG)
FREE ACCOUNT
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 or-
der to get more business.
Observational method: Observational method

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/qualitative-
observation/) 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 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 particu-

lar animal in the rain-forests of amazon. Such a re-
search 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

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/focus-group/)
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

(https://www.questionpro.com/tour/text-
analysis.html) 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 en-
ables the researcher to take appropriate decisions to
make their support team better.
Sometimes a combination of the methods is also need-

ed 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.
Steps for conducting empirical research
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 ob-
stacles 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 find-
ings. All kind of relevant literature will help the re-
searcher 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 as-
sumptions and also find out if there is any history re-
garding his research problem
Step #3: Creation of Hypothesis and measurement
Before beginning the actual research he needs to pro-

vide 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 mea-

surements, 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 hy-
pothesis. The researcher will decide whether he will
need experimental or non experimental method for
conducting the research. The type of research design

(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/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 va-
lidity 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.
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/types-of-sam-
pling-for-social-research/) Once data collection is com-
plete, researcher will have empirical data which needs
to be analysed.
Step #5: Data Analysis and result
Data analysis (https://www.questionpro.-

com/blog/data-analysis-simple-and-complex-a-
primer/) 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. Depend-
ing on the analysis of his data, he will know if his hy-
pothesis 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 liter-
ature that support his research. He can make sug-
gestions or recommendations for further research on

his topic.
Empirical research methodology cycle
A.D. de Groot, a famous dutch psychologist and a chess

expert conducted some of the most notable experi-
ments using chess in the 1940’s. During his study, he
came up with a cycle which is consistent and now wide-
ly used to conduct empirical research. It consists of 5
phases with each phase being as important as the next
one. The empirical cycle captures the process of coming
up with hypothesis about how certain subjects work or
behave and then testing these hypothesis against em-
pirical data in a systematic and rigorous approach. It

can be said that it characterizes the deductive ap-
proach to science. Following is the empirical cycle.
Observation: At this phase an idea is sparked for

proposing a hypothesis. During this phase
empirical data is gathered using observation. For
example: a particular species of flower bloom in a
different color only during a specific season.
Induction: Inductive reasoning is then carried out

to form a general conclusion from the data
gathered through observation. For example: As
stated above it is observed that the species of
flower blooms in a different color during a specific
season. A researcher may ask a question “does the
temperature in the season cause the color change
in the flower?” He can assume that is the case,
however it is a mere conjecture and hence an
experiment needs to be set up to support this
hypothesis. So he tags a few set of flowers kept at
a different temperature and observes if they still
change the color?
Deduction: This phase helps the researcher to

deduce a conclusion out of his experiment. This
has to be based on logic and rationality to come
up with specific unbiased results.For example: In
the experiment, if the tagged flowers in a different
temperature environment do not change the color
then it can be concluded that temperature plays a
role in changing the color of the bloom.
Testing: This phase involves the researcher to

return to empirical methods to put his hypothesis
to the test. The researcher now needs to make
sense of his data and hence needs to use
statistical methods to determine the temperature
and bloom color relationship. If the researcher
finds out that most flowers bloom a different color
when exposed to the certain temperature and the
others do not when the temperature is different,
he has found support to his hypothesis. Please
note this not proof but just a support to his
hypothesis.
Evaluation: This phase is generally forgotten by

most but is an important one to keep gaining
knowledge. During this phase the researcher puts
forth the data he has collected, the support
argument and his conclusion. The researcher also
states the limitations for the experiment and his
hypothesis and suggests tips for others to pick it
up and continue a more in-depth research for
others in the future.
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 dis-
advantages. Following are a few of them.
Such a research needs patience as it can be very

time consuming. The researcher has to collect data
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/data-
collection/) 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 be-

cause most people believe in something only that they
can see, hear or experience. It is used to validate multi-
ple 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. Such research is not
just useful in science but in many other fields like his-
tory, social sciences, business, etc.
With the advancement in today’s world, empirical re-

search has become critical as well as a norm in many
fields so as to support their hypothesis and gain more
knowledge. The methods mentioned above are very
useful for carrying out such research however, a num-
ber of new methods will keep coming up as the nature
of new investigative questions (https://www.question-
pro.com/features/question-types/) keeps getting
unique or changes.
CREATE, SEND & ANALYZE YOUR ONLINE SURVEY
COMPLETELY FREE
CREATE SURVEY NOW (/A/SHOWENTRY.DO?

SOURCEREF=BLOG)
RELATED POSTS " !
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/americans-
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/cost-
react-to- of-conducting-a-
coronavirus/) survey/)
How have the How much does a

Americans reacted survey cost – A
to the complete guide to
coronavirus? the cost of a
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/americans-
survey
react-to- (https://www.questionpro.com/blog/cost-
coronavirus/) of-conducting-a-
survey/)
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/guide-
to-free-market-
research/)
A complete guide
to free market
research
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/guide-
to-free-market-
research/)
FREE ACCOUNT (/A/SHOWENTRY.DO?SOURCEREF=BLOG) Live Chat (/chat/)
(/blog/) (//twitter.com/questionpro) (//www.facebook.com/questionpro)
(//linkedin.com/company/questionpro) (https://www.youtube.com/user/QuestionPro)
(/webinar/)
Tour
!
Products
!
Resources
!
Solutions
!
Pricing
!
Company
!
Also view...
Pesquisa Online (/pt-br/) Encuestas Online (/es/)
Umfrage Software
(/ja/) (//www.questionpro.com/blog/de/umfrage-software/)
‫( برامج للمسح‬/ar/) Logiciel d'enquête (/fr/)
(/)
Sitemap (/sitemap.html) Privacy Statement Terms of Use
© 2020 QuestionPro Survey Software | +1 (800) 531 0228

Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples - QuestionPro

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples - QuestionPro

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Empirical Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples | QuestionPro 21.03.

EMPIRICAL RESEARCH: DEFINITION,

by Adi Bhat (https://www.questionpro.com/blog/author/adityabhat/)

Home ! Consumer Insights ! Market Research Search Blogs Search

CREATE SURVEY NOW

1. Empirical research: Definition

2. Empirical research: Origin

3. Types and methodologies of empirical research

3.1 . Quantitative research methods

3.2 . 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

This empirical evidence can be gathered using quanti-

For example: A research is being conducted to find out

then observed. The results derived from such a re-

Empirical research: Origin

In today’s world, the word empirical refers to collection

Types and methodologies of empirical research

Empirical research can be conducted and analysed us-

Quantitative research: Quantitative research

numerical data. It is used to quantify opinions,

Qualitative research: Qualitative research methods

Data collected from these will need to be analysed. Em-

Quantitative research methods

Quantitative research methods (https://www.question-

Survey research: Survey research

Previously, surveys (https://www.questionpro.-

For example: Depletion of energy resources is a growing

in the United States. Even though there is a rise in the

Learn more: Renewable Energy Survey Template

Experimental research: In experimental research

For example: A particular product company is trying to

each one of the processes like manufacturing, market-

Correlational research: Correlational research

For example: Higher educated individuals will get high-

Longitudinal study: Longitudinal study

For example: A research to find out benefits of exercise.

Cross sectional: Cross sectional study

For example: A medical study to find the prevalence of

Causal-Comparative research: This method is

For example: A researcher measured the productivity of

Qualitative research methods

Some research questions (https://www.questionpro.-

Case study: Case study method is used to find

the case study, conclusions can be drawn

For example: A report mentioning the solution provided

Observational method: Observational method

For example: setting up a research to observe a particu-

One-on-one interview: Such a method is purely

can be gathered depending on where the

For example: A one-on-one interview with the finance

Focus groups: Focus groups

For example: A mobile phone manufacturer wanting to

Text analysis: Text analysis

For example: A lot of companies ask for feedback from

Sometimes a combination of the methods is also need-

Steps for conducting empirical research

Since empirical research is based on observation and