Principals of empirical research

Question 1

empirical social research

Answer 1

is the systematic recording and interpretation of observable social facts (behavior, objects, attitudes, values etc.)
based on experience

Question 2

systematically

Answer 2

the entire process is panned and has certain rules and must be comprehensible in every phase

Question 3

objectives

Answer 3

expanding and deepening knowledge
systematic review of social reality using appropriate methods
critically assessing situations, structures, concepts and finding starting points for change
analytical recognition and explanation of facts, structures, causes, effects
not only gathering of facts - guided by theoretical considerations approach with reference to social practic

Question 4

how do theory, empiricism, and practice relate?

Answer 4

theory explains empiricism encompasses
empiricism provides data for development of theory
research findings provide practical application

Question 5

Central phases in the process

Answer 5

1. focus on research topic
2. problem formulation, question and hypotheses
3. use appropriate research method
4. presentation of results
5. discussion and further considerations

Question 6

methodological positioning

Answer 6

in order to be able to evaluate empirical findings, need to justify why a quantitative or qualitative approach is suitable for answering the research question

Question 7

qualitative or quantitative depends on

Answer 7

what you want to study
which methodological positioning is most relevant for your topic
which research question you have formulated

Question 8

quantitative research

Answer 8

attempts to measure, explain social phenomena as objectively and validity as possible
using statistical analysis for large respondent groups
standardized methods

Question 9

aim of quantitative research

Answer 9

verify hypotheses derived from theories on the basis of the data (deductive)

Question 10

qualitative research

Answer 10

tries to find out how people see a situation and how reality is constructed from a subjective point of view
understanding and interpreting is in the foreground
researchers are aware of the influence of their own research

Question 11

goal of qualitative research

Answer 11

construction of hypotheses, theories and conclusions (inductive)