How to Structure an Empirical Dissertation/Empirical Research Paper/Empirical Thesis?
In order to understand how to structure an empirical research paper, it is essential to understand its meaning of it. Empirical research is a type of research that focuses on things that are based on the researcher’s first-hand experience and observation and is thus verifiable.
The results of an analysis that are reached can be compared to any already existing theories. However, the data is based on first-hand experience.
Thus, the data that is collected for an empirical thesis is primary data since it is based on personal experience, says Freddie Jacob a research associate at Best Dissertation Service. But as far as the literature review is concerned, it can be based on readings from a secondary source in order to form a firm background of the topic under consideration.
For example, research is being conducted to find out if reading books of a particular genre affect your overall thinking and personality. Let us say reading sci-fi fiction makes you think more creatively. Alternatively, does comedy fiction makes your sense of humour work better.
The analysis or the results of this research will lead to an empirical research paper where you will gather data based on true experiences from real life. Hence, the results derived are based on the elements listed below:
Elements of an Empirical Research
The elements of Empirical Research consist of the following:
- A research objective, which will determine the methodology of the research.
- The methodology will include designing and will determine the channels or resources that will be used in order to answer the question at hand.
- A round of collection of initial data will be analysed after it is collected.
- It will also include the process through which the data will be collected and the channels or mediums that are included.
- It will include the use of samples, which are based on a larger audience to better prove your point of view.
- To see if the research question has the potential to be rechecked through its results. This will show if the research question has credibility and reliability.
- In the end, empirical research should be able to well suit a larger group of people and check if it can be implemented in other scenarios.
Empirical Research and Its Methodologies
Either using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods of Analysis can perform empirical research.
Qualitative Research
This methodology is used to collect data that is non-numerical. It is gathered from groups of people through interviews and experiments. This method is relatively unstructured since it is based on people’s opinions and the views of the people involved. Expressed by Sabrina joseph a research specialist for the European Business Review.
The extent of this research is small-scale, and it is used to provide a better understanding or insight into the topic.
Quantitative Research
This research is used to collect data based on numerical values, thus giving quantifying opinions and behaviour patterns. Compared to qualitative research, this is structured research and is based on polling results, surveys conducted, and graphs of behaviour changes in a group of people.
Both these research methods are employed in an empirical research paper. It depends on what type of question is under analysis, depending on which one of these is chosen. These research designs will enable the researcher to answer the empirical question.
However, there might be cases where the researcher might be tempted to use both of these research methods to get a better understanding of the research question.
Conducting an Empirical Research
Empirical research is based on the researcher’s observation and experience; thus, it is essential to form a methodology and then conduct the research. Having a methodology will help the researcher in case any problem arises during the research process.
- The Purpose of the Research
The researcher has to be very clear about his ideas and should know what is that he is willing to find and work upon. Knowing the problem will enable them to think about what ways it could be solved. In addition, it would help them know if there is any lack of resources and from what means it could be fulfilled.
It is also integral to find out if the research and the outcomes will be beneficial to the incurred costs. To see if the data result will be fruitful and beneficial to a large number of people. This will help the researcher identify the significance of their research paper.
- Supporting Materials
When conducting research, it is important to see if there are any theories, which could be linked to the research problem, hence giving it weightage and significance.
Also, the researcher can look up if there is any previous research, which has been conducted on the same, and if there is any existing material already available on the same topic, which could be used as relevant literature in carrying out the research.
- Making A Hypothesis
Before setting up the research work, the researcher has to make some assumptions and hypotheses to see if they prove to be correct. All the variables have to be set up by the researcher himself, and then find out the existing relationship between them.
According to Professor Wilson from postal worker jobs, all the units and probable degrees of error will have to be determined and defined by the researcher for his audience to establish a better understanding.
- Methodology and Design
The researcher will have to identify a methodology for conducting the research, including which means will be used to conduct the research. The research design depends on the field in which the study is being conducted, so the researcher will decide that.
In addition, the researcher has to mention any parameters or factors that can affect the credibility or reliability of the research conducted.
- Data Analysis and Conclusion
Data can be analysed qualitatively or quantitatively. This depends on the research topic, and the researcher will have a choice of whether to choose either or both of them.
Lastly, a result report will be formed based on the theories, literature review and data results.
