Abstract:

Empirical research is a research method based on empirical evidence. Empirical research is the knowledge gained by experimentation or by the collection of first-hand data. It can add significant value to a study but can also make an investigation unreliable if misused. The purpose of this paper is to collect, review, compare and synthesise the literature on empirical research to determine and propose the foundations of the empirical research for the correct application in science. This paper analyses relevant articles about empirical research especially related to the methodology, conceptualisations, and steps to follow for its application in any research area. Also, this paper introduces several examples of research where the method is used and defined according to the types of variables under investigation. We analyse the data collection, how the results are examined and validated, how this data supports the applied methodology and what is the relation to the standardised form of empirical research. This investigation is valuable because it introduces the foundations for empirical research, presents illustrative examples and finally discloses a very useful framework where other researches can relate to checking the proper application of the methodology in different fields of research.

Keywords:

Empirical research, research methodology, scientific method, empirical evidence.