Course: Statistics
Empirical refers to knowledge based on experience or observation rather than theory or pure logic.
Above all, empirical refers to information that we gather through our senses. It’s about seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting the world around us. The term ’empirical’ comes from the Greek word for ‘experience’. In social research, an empirical study uses data that researchers directly observe or measure.
Empirical Data
Let’s break it down. Empirical data are facts or information collected through observation or experimentation. This data can be qualitative, meaning it describes qualities or characteristics. For example, researchers might record what people say in interviews. The data can also be quantitative, meaning it involves numbers. For instance, researchers might count how many times a behavior occurs.
The main point is, empirical data is based on what we can actually see and measure in the real world, not what we think or feel.
Empirical in Criminal Justice
Now let’s bring it home with an example. In criminal justice, a researcher may want to find out if a new program reduces crime in a neighborhood. This is an empirical question because it’s something we can observe and measure.
The researcher might collect data before and after the program starts. They may count the number of crimes committed. They may also interview residents about their experiences. Both the crime counts and the interviews provide empirical data. Then, the researcher compares the before and after data to see if the program made a difference.
Empirical in Social Work
In social work, an empirical approach might be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a new counseling program. Here’s how it could work.
A group of social workers might use a survey to gather information from people who received the counseling. They might ask questions about how much the individuals’ lives improved. Then, the social workers might compare these survey results to similar data from people who didn’t receive counseling. This is an example of using empirical data to answer a question about the world.
An Example from Political Science
Lastly, in political science, a researcher might use empirical methods to study voter behavior. They could collect data on how people voted in the past and what issues mattered most to them. They could also conduct surveys to gather more data about voters’ attitudes and beliefs.
All in all, whether the researchers are studying crime, counseling, or voting behavior, they’re using an empirical approach. That means they’re basing their findings on data from the real world, not just theories or beliefs.
In conclusion, empirical refers to anything we can know through direct observation or experience. It’s a crucial concept in social research because it allows us to test ideas and theories against what’s actually happening in the world. It’s about getting to the truth of what’s really out there.