Empirical research is
research using
empirical evidence. It is a way of gaining
knowledge by means of direct and indirect
observation or
experience.
Empiricism values such research more than other kinds. Empirical evidence (the record of one's direct observations or experiences) can be analyzed
quantitatively or
qualitatively. Through quantifying the evidence or making sense of it in qualitative form, a researcher can answer empirical questions, which should be clearly defined and answerable with the evidence collected (usually called
data). Research design varies by field and by the question being investigated. Many researchers combine qualitative and quantitative forms of analysis to better answer questions which cannot be studied in laboratory settings, particularly in the social sciences and in education.