what is empirical qualitative research

• University of Memphis Libraries
• Research Guides

Empirical Research: Defining, Identifying, & Finding

Defining empirical research, what is empirical research, quantitative or qualitative.

• Introduction
• Database Tools
• Search Terms
• Image Descriptions

Calfee & Chambliss (2005)  (UofM login required) describe empirical research as a "systematic approach for answering certain types of questions."  Those questions are answered "[t]hrough the collection of evidence under carefully defined and replicable conditions" (p. 43). 

The evidence collected during empirical research is often referred to as "data." 

Characteristics of Empirical Research

Emerald Publishing's guide to conducting empirical research identifies a number of common elements to empirical research: 

• A  research question , which will determine research objectives.
• A particular and planned  design  for the research, which will depend on the question and which will find ways of answering it with appropriate use of resources.
• The gathering of  primary data , which is then analysed.
• A particular  methodology  for collecting and analysing the data, such as an experiment or survey.
• The limitation of the data to a particular group, area or time scale, known as a sample [emphasis added]: for example, a specific number of employees of a particular company type, or all users of a library over a given time scale. The sample should be somehow representative of a wider population.
• The ability to  recreate  the study and test the results. This is known as  reliability .
• The ability to  generalize  from the findings to a larger sample and to other situations.

If you see these elements in a research article, you can feel confident that you have found empirical research. Emerald's guide goes into more detail on each element. 

Empirical research methodologies can be described as quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both (usually called mixed-methods).

Ruane (2016)  (UofM login required) gets at the basic differences in approach between quantitative and qualitative research:

• Quantitative research  -- an approach to documenting reality that relies heavily on numbers both for the measurement of variables and for data analysis (p. 33).
• Qualitative research  -- an approach to documenting reality that relies on words and images as the primary data source (p. 33).

Both quantitative and qualitative methods are empirical . If you can recognize that a research study is quantitative or qualitative study, then you have also recognized that it is empirical study. 

Below are information on the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research. This video from Scribbr also offers a good overall introduction to the two approaches to research methodology: 

Characteristics of Quantitative Research 

Researchers test hypotheses, or theories, based in assumptions about causality, i.e. we expect variable X to cause variable Y. Variables have to be controlled as much as possible to ensure validity. The results explain the relationship between the variables. Measures are based in pre-defined instruments.

Examples: experimental or quasi-experimental design, pretest & post-test, survey or questionnaire with closed-ended questions. Studies that identify factors that influence an outcomes, the utility of an intervention, or understanding predictors of outcomes. 

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

Researchers explore “meaning individuals or groups ascribe to social or human problems (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p3).” Questions and procedures emerge rather than being prescribed. Complexity, nuance, and individual meaning are valued. Research is both inductive and deductive. Data sources are multiple and varied, i.e. interviews, observations, documents, photographs, etc. The researcher is a key instrument and must be reflective of their background, culture, and experiences as influential of the research.

Examples: open question interviews and surveys, focus groups, case studies, grounded theory, ethnography, discourse analysis, narrative, phenomenology, participatory action research.

Calfee, R. C. & Chambliss, M. (2005). The design of empirical research. In J. Flood, D. Lapp, J. R. Squire, & J. Jensen (Eds.),  Methods of research on teaching the English language arts: The methodology chapters from the handbook of research on teaching the English language arts (pp. 43-78). Routledge.  http://ezproxy.memphis.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=125955&site=eds-live&scope=site .

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018).  Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches  (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

How to... conduct empirical research . (n.d.). Emerald Publishing.  https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/how-to/research-methods/conduct-empirical-research .

Scribbr. (2019). Quantitative vs. qualitative: The differences explained  [video]. YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-XtVF7Bofg .

Ruane, J. M. (2016).  Introducing social research methods : Essentials for getting the edge . Wiley-Blackwell.  http://ezproxy.memphis.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1107215&site=eds-live&scope=site .  

• << Previous: Home
• Next: Identifying Empirical Research >>
• Last Updated: Apr 2, 2024 11:25 AM
• URL: https://libguides.memphis.edu/empirical-research

La Salle University

Connelly library, library main menu.

• Find Course Reserves
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
• Study Room Use & Reservations
• Technology & Printing
• Citation Guides
• Place Course Reserves
• Reserve Library Space
• Request Instruction
• Copyright Information
• Guides for Faculty

Special Collections

• University Archives
• Historical & Cultural Collections
• Rare Bibles & Prayer Books
• Historical Research Guides
• Information & Guidelines
• Staff Directory
• Meet with a Librarian
• Directions & Building Maps

Research Hub

• Research Tools
• Research Guides

The Connelly Library is transitioning from Digital Commons to a new institutional repository. There will be a period of time during which access is not available, beginning Monday 10/21/2024. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research

What is "empirical research".

• empirical research
• Locating Articles in Cinahl and PsycInfo
• Locating Articles in PubMed
• Getting the Articles This link opens in a new window

Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief.

How do you know if a study is empirical? Read the subheadings within the article, book, or report and look for a description of the research "methodology." Ask yourself: Could I recreate this study and test these results?

Key characteristics to look for:

• Specific research questions to be answered
• Definition of the population, behavior, or phenomena being studied
• Description of the process used to study this population or phenomena, including selection criteria, controls, and testing instruments (such as surveys)

Another hint: some scholarly journals use a specific layout, called the "IMRaD" format, to communicate empirical research findings. Such articles typically have 4 components:

• Introduction : sometimes called "literature review" -- what is currently known about the topic -- usually includes a theoretical framework and/or discussion of previous studies
• Methodology : sometimes called "research design" -- how to recreate the study -- usually describes the population, research process, and analytical tools
• Results : sometimes called "findings" -- what was learned through the study -- usually appears as statistical data or as substantial quotations from research participants
• Discussion : sometimes called "conclusion" or "implications" -- why the study is important -- usually describes how the research results influence professional practices or future studies
• << Previous: Home
• Next: Locating Articles in Cinahl and PsycInfo >>

Chat Assistance

Empirical Research: A Comprehensive Guide for Academics 

Empirical research relies on gathering and studying real, observable data. The term ’empirical’ comes from the Greek word ’empeirikos,’ meaning ‘experienced’ or ‘based on experience.’ So, what is empirical research? Instead of using theories or opinions, empirical research depends on real data obtained through direct observation or experimentation. 

Why Empirical Research?

Empirical research plays a key role in checking or improving current theories, providing a systematic way to grow knowledge across different areas. By focusing on objectivity, it makes research findings more trustworthy, which is critical in research fields like medicine, psychology, economics, and public policy. In the end, the strengths of empirical research lie in deepening our awareness of the world and improving our capacity to tackle problems wisely. 1,2  

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

There are two main types of empirical research methods – qualitative and quantitative. 3,4 Qualitative research delves into intricate phenomena using non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations, to offer in-depth insights into human experiences. In contrast, quantitative research analyzes numerical data to spot patterns and relationships, aiming for objectivity and the ability to apply findings to a wider context. 

Steps for Conducting Empirical Research

When it comes to conducting research, there are some simple steps that researchers can follow. 5,6  

• Create Research Hypothesis:  Clearly state the specific question you want to answer or the hypothesis you want to explore in your study. 
• Examine Existing Research:  Read and study existing research on your topic. Understand what’s already known, identify existing gaps in knowledge, and create a framework for your own study based on what you learn. 
• Plan Your Study:  Decide how you’ll conduct your research—whether through qualitative methods, quantitative methods, or a mix of both. Choose suitable techniques like surveys, experiments, interviews, or observations based on your research question. 
• Develop Research Instruments:  Create reliable research collection tools, such as surveys or questionnaires, to help you collate data. Ensure these tools are well-designed and effective. 
• Collect Data:  Systematically gather the information you need for your research according to your study design and protocols using the chosen research methods. 
• Data Analysis:  Analyze the collected data using suitable statistical or qualitative methods that align with your research question and objectives. 
• Interpret Results:  Understand and explain the significance of your analysis results in the context of your research question or hypothesis. 
• Draw Conclusions:  Summarize your findings and draw conclusions based on the evidence. Acknowledge any study limitations and propose areas for future research. 

Advantages of Empirical Research

Empirical research is valuable because it stays objective by relying on observable data, lessening the impact of personal biases. This objectivity boosts the trustworthiness of research findings. Also, using precise quantitative methods helps in accurate measurement and statistical analysis. This precision ensures researchers can draw reliable conclusions from numerical data, strengthening our understanding of the studied phenomena. 4  

Disadvantages of Empirical Research

While empirical research has notable strengths, researchers must also be aware of its limitations when deciding on the right research method for their study.4 One significant drawback of empirical research is the risk of oversimplifying complex phenomena, especially when relying solely on quantitative methods. These methods may struggle to capture the richness and nuances present in certain social, cultural, or psychological contexts. Another challenge is the potential for confounding variables or biases during data collection, impacting result accuracy.  

Tips for Empirical Writing

In empirical research, the writing is usually done in research papers, articles, or reports. The empirical writing follows a set structure, and each section has a specific role. Here are some tips for your empirical writing. 7   

• Define Your Objectives:  When you write about your research, start by making your goals clear. Explain what you want to find out or prove in a simple and direct way. This helps guide your research and lets others know what you have set out to achieve. 
• Be Specific in Your Literature Review:  In the part where you talk about what others have studied before you, focus on research that directly relates to your research question. Keep it short and pick studies that help explain why your research is important. This part sets the stage for your work. 
• Explain Your Methods Clearly : When you talk about how you did your research (Methods), explain it in detail. Be clear about your research plan, who took part, and what you did; this helps others understand and trust your study. Also, be honest about any rules you follow to make sure your study is ethical and reproducible. 
• Share Your Results Clearly : After doing your empirical research, share what you found in a simple way. Use tables or graphs to make it easier for your audience to understand your research. Also, talk about any numbers you found and clearly state if they are important or not. Ensure that others can see why your research findings matter. 
• Talk About What Your Findings Mean:  In the part where you discuss your research results, explain what they mean. Discuss why your findings are important and if they connect to what others have found before. Be honest about any problems with your study and suggest ideas for more research in the future. 
• Wrap It Up Clearly:  Finally, end your empirical research paper by summarizing what you found and why it’s important. Remind everyone why your study matters. Keep your writing clear and fix any mistakes before you share it. Ask someone you trust to read it and give you feedback before you finish. 

References:  

• Empirical Research in the Social Sciences and Education, Penn State University Libraries. Available online at  https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/emp  
• How to conduct empirical research, Emerald Publishing. Available online at  https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/how-to/research-methods/conduct-empirical-research  
• Empirical Research: Quantitative & Qualitative, Arrendale Library, Piedmont University. Available online at  https://library.piedmont.edu/empirical-research  
• Bouchrika, I.  What Is Empirical Research? Definition, Types & Samples  in 2024. Research.com, January 2024. Available online at  https://research.com/research/what-is-empirical-research  
• Quantitative and Empirical Research vs. Other Types of Research. California State University, April 2023. Available online at  https://libguides.csusb.edu/quantitative  
• Empirical Research, Definitions, Methods, Types and Examples, Studocu.com website. Available online at  https://www.studocu.com/row/document/uganda-christian-university/it-research-methods/emperical-research-definitions-methods-types-and-examples/55333816  
• Writing an Empirical Paper in APA Style. Psychology Writing Center, University of Washington. Available online at  https://psych.uw.edu/storage/writing_center/APApaper.pdf  

Paperpal is an AI writing assistant that help academics write better, faster with real-time suggestions for in-depth language and grammar correction. Trained on millions of research manuscripts enhanced by professional academic editors, Paperpal delivers human precision at machine speed.  

Try it for free or upgrade to  Paperpal Prime , which unlocks unlimited access to premium features like academic translation, paraphrasing, contextual synonyms, consistency checks and more. It’s like always having a professional academic editor by your side! Go beyond limitations and experience the future of academic writing.  Get Paperpal Prime now at just US$19 a month!  

Related Reads:

• How to Write a Scientific Paper in 10 Steps 
• What is a Literature Review? How to Write It (with Examples)
• What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)
• Ethical Research Practices For Research with Human Subjects

Ethics in Science: Importance, Principles & Guidelines 

Presenting research data effectively through tables and figures, you may also like, what is the purpose of an abstract why..., research process steps: research procedure and examples, what are citation styles which citation style to..., what are the types of literature reviews , what are research skills definition, importance, and examples , what is phd dissertation defense and how to..., abstract vs introduction: what is the difference , mla format: guidelines, template and examples , machine translation vs human translation: which is reliable..., what is academic integrity, and why is it....

Canvas | University | Ask a Librarian

• Library Homepage
• Arrendale Library

Empirical & Non-Empirical Research

• Quantitative vs. Qualitative
• Empirical Research

What's the Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative?

Distinguishing quantitative & qualitative methods, word clues to identify methods.

• Reference Works for Social Sciences Research
• What is Non-Empirical Research?
• Contact Us!

 Call us at 706-776-0111

  Chat with a Librarian

  Send Us Email

  Library Hours

What’s the Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Methods?

From: Suter, W. N. (2012). Qualitative Data, Analysis, and Design. In  Introduction to educational research: A critical thinking approach . SAGE Publications, Inc., www.galileo.usg.edu/redirect?inst=pie1&url=https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483384443

The words in this table can be used to evaluate whether an article tends more toward the quantitative or qualitative domain. Well-written article abstracts will contain words like these to succinctly characterize the article's content.

Adapted from: McMillan, J. H. (2012).  Educational research: Fundamentals for the consumer  (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Search SAGE Research Methods for resources about qualitative methods

Search SAGE Research Methods for resources about quantitative methods

• << Previous: Empirical Research
• Next: Reference Works for Social Sciences Research >>
• Last Updated: Oct 4, 2024 12:10 PM
• URL: https://library.piedmont.edu/empirical-research
• Ebooks & Online Video
• New Materials
• Renew Checkouts
• Faculty Resources
• Library Friends
• Library Services
• Our Mission
• Library History
• Ask a Librarian!
• Making Citations
• Working Online

Arrendale Library Piedmont University 706-776-0111

Research Basics - All Subjects

• Getting Started
• Evaluating Resources
• Generating Search Terms
• Citations, Copyright, Plagiarism
• What is AI Plagiarism?
• Physical Library Resources
• Digital Library Resources
• Videos / Tutorials on Search Skills
• Primary Sources (Social Sciences & Humanities)
• Subject Guides: Find your Major This link opens in a new window
• Open Educational Resources (OER) This link opens in a new window

Empirical Studies

Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

Mixed Methods Research

• Writing Resources - How to Write Scholarly Papers

Montgomery Library at Campbellsville University does not necessarily endorse all content found on third party websites.

• An empirical study is research derived from actual observation or experimentation.
• The written articles resulting from empirical studies undergo a rigorous review by experts in the field of study prior to being published in journals.
• After passing this review the articles are published in a scholarly, peer-reviewed, or academic journal.
• Empirical study articles will generally contain the following features: Abstract - This is a summary of the article. Introduction - This is often identified as the hypothesis of the study and describes the researcher's intent.            Method - A description of how the research was conducted. Results - A description of the findings obtained as a result of the research. Most often answers the hypothesis. Conclusion - A description of how/if the findings were successful and the impact made as a result. References - A detailed listing of all resources cited in the article that support the written work.

Keywords for Empirical Studies:

empirical, experiment, methodology, observation, outcomes, sample size, statistical analysis, study

Types of Empirical Studies:

There are several types of empirical research, and three common types are  quantitative , qualitative ,  and  mixed methods research ,  which are all explained below. Many empirical studies in the social sciences use mixed methods to examine complex phenomena.

Four Main Types of Quantitative Research Design:

• Descriptive
• Correlational
• Quasi-experimental 
• Experimental

Five Main Types of Qualitative Research

• Grounded theory 
• Phenomenology
• Ethnography 
• Historical Research

Mixed methods research uses strategies from both qualitative and quantitative research processes to provide a greater understanding of the subject matter.

• << Previous: Open Educational Resources (OER)
• Next: Writing Resources - How to Write Scholarly Papers >>
• Last Updated: Nov 13, 2024 6:32 PM
• URL: https://campbellsville.libguides.com/researchbasics