Purpose of Empirical Research

Why undertake an empirical research project? In most instances, the purpose of research is to fill some gap or gaps in knowledge. How do we know what we know within a social construct? The process of epistemology and methodology are the blue prints of empirical research. According to Babbie (2014) "epistemology is the science of knowing. Methodology (a subfield of epistemology) might be called the science of finding out" (p. 4). As such, the purpose empirical research is generate new knowledge and or better explain a selected aspect of a phenomenon; investigate interests, issues, and or societal problems, in response to a Request For a Proposal (RFP), or to analyze, explore, and or describe a social phenomenon.

As one engages in any level of empirical research, the type of research must be clear and deliberate in both approach and design. The four core types of research approaches are: analytical, descriptive, exploratory, or predictive. The purpose of any study will dictate the approach. In brief, an analytical approach will allow the researcher to seek answers to the why and or how questions in relation to a phenomenon. At the heart of any analytical study are the cause and affect in relation to the core variables. Descriptive research allows the researcher to focus on selected characteristics of a phenomenon. A descriptive approach is most often leveraged via a quantitative design where data can be secured and analyzed to determine whether or not a statistical signifigance exist. An exploratory research approach design is used to really fill those gaps in knowledge where few study already exists. Whereas, the predictive research design allows the researcher to make assertions about the relationship between and or among selected variables.



Finally, depending the research study and or project, a researcher must keep in mind what approach is best use in order to gather evidence about the selected issue, problem, and or phenomenon. Such as, applied or basic research, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods. In most instances, a varied research design is best regardless of the purpose, because the ultimate aim is to fill gaps in knowledge about a social phenomenon and or the world in which we live.

                                                                       References

Babbie, E. (2014). The basics of social research. 6th Edition. Wadsworth: United States