Introduction
Many people and organizations rely on evidence for making informed decisions. Evidence pertains to the tangible information that one can measure and confirm through trial and error. We come across choices in our lives every day, and we choose the best alternative based on the evidence. The same holds for empirical analysis. An empirical analysis encompasses arriving at conclusions by testing the empirical data. Researchers use both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to test the empirical evidence. The methodologies and assumptions of the empirical analysis are unique. They distinguish empirical research from other kinds of research methods. So, every researcher needs to know about it. This article will tell you about empirical analysis, its types, and examples.
What is Empirical analysis?
The empirical analysis is an evaluative approach in research methods. It employs facts and evidence to arrive at study conclusions. The empirical analysis relies on information gathered only from observational or empirical data. Any study whose results are based on tangible, observable facts is classified as empirical research. The term empirical indicates that it is based on scientific facts and testing.
Similarly, research is empirical when it investigates its claims with objective data. Empirical research relies on concrete evidence for investigating an issue. It helps in assessing reality and establishing the true nature of reality. As the name implies, empirical research is a type of study that follows the criteria of empiricism. Empirical data collection involves collecting data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
What are the types of empirical research?
There are two types of empirical research; qualitative and quantitative analysis.
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Quantitative Empirical Research
Quantitative empirical research relies on numerical data for data collection. The methodology involves measuring factors such as thoughts, ideas, opinions, and other variables. Researchers define these variables before collecting the data. Quantitative empirical research encompasses collecting data through surveys, longitudinal studies, and opinion polls. The quantitative empirical analysis is definitive and uses structured methods to collect and evaluate data. The analysis phase involves using statistical tools to extract information from the data. Researchers use various methodologies for testing the reliability and accuracy of the data. Quantitative empirical research is predictive. It helps predict the future occurrences and behavior of the investigated phenomenon.
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Qualitative Empirical Research
Qualitative empirical research refers to qualitative methodologies for gathering non-numerical data. Researchers use open-ended questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect and evaluate data. In qualitative empirical research, analysts also evaluate secondary literature for data collection. Researchers employ this methodology to collect and evaluate the qualitative aspect of people’s opinions, beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes. It is semi-structured or unstructured. Qualitative methods seek to explore an issue in more depth and employ content analysis and thematic analysis to evaluate the data. Qualitative research studies are usually exploratory and descriptive. They help generate research questions for quantitative research studies. Quantitative research methodology can benefit from the insights generated by qualitative research.
What are the essential features of empirical analysis?
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Research Questions
An empirical analysis starts with a series of research questions that serve as a roadmap for the inquiry. In many situations, researchers formulate a hypothesis based on these research questions. Furthermore, the researcher collects evidence to confirm or reject the hypothesis. Experimentation and evidence gathered from data collection either confirm or refute the hypothesis. Researchers investigate the research problem or hypothesis through qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The choice of quantitative or qualitative methodologies depends upon the nature of the research. Researchers formulate research questions for empirical evaluation to find answers to a specific issue or a phenomenon. Research questions direct the entire research and the research design in empirical analysis. These research questions are essential in determining the course of the entire research and defining the study’s aims and objectives.
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Development of Variables
Researchers define variables to conduct empirical analysis. These variables consist of an independent variable, dependent variable, and mediating variable. Researchers have to define developed research variables.
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Development of Hypothesis
After developing the variables, researchers formulate a hypothesis that seeks to find correlations between the defined variables. An articulated hypothesis helps the researcher find the relevant data. The gathered data either refutes or rejects the hypothesis. Hypothesis testing also helps researchers find correlations and patterns between the defined variables.
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Research Methodology
The empirical analysis also involves developing a structured and organized research methodology. Researchers have to formulate a clearly defined research methodology that outlines the methods for collecting data. Researchers have to define a sample size from which he or they will collect the data. The methodology section also describes the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the data sample. Moreover, it also requires an elaboration of the methods that the researcher will use. It entails explaining that either the researcher will use quantitative or qualitative research methods. The mere description of methods is not enough. The researcher also has to justify why certain methods were chosen.
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Data Collection
Researchers collect data for empirical analysis from various sources. Quantitative research methods involve gathering data from surveys and opinion polls. Qualitative methods involve collecting data from open-ended surveys, interviews, and secondary literature.
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Data Analysis
The data analysis stage of empirical analysis encompasses using tools and instruments to test the data. Researchers use statistical methods to evaluate the data. The findings or results either validate the hypothesis or refute the hypothesis. Generally, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) tool helps evaluate the gathered data. It helps the researchers in empirical analysis and generating insights about the investigated phenomenon.
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Examples of Empirical Research
A researcher can conduct an empirical analysis to determine the relationship between perceived value and customer satisfaction. The researcher will collect data relevant to the perceived value and customer satisfaction. Statistical tools and analysis will help the researcher find correlations between perceived value and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
The empirical analysis is a valuable approach to comprehensive examination because it allows the researcher to examine the validity of several assumptions (hypotheses) before coming to any conclusions.
Author Bio:
Robert Fawl is a professional Content writer & Content Marketer. Based in London, Robert is an author and blogger with experience in encounter composing on various topics including but not limited to Essay Writing, Dissertation Writing, Coursework Writing Services, Thesis Writing Services, Assignment Writing, etc.
