Methods of Theoretical and Empirical Research

Are you wondering about the differences between theoretical and empirical research? Let's take a look at the details.

Methods of Theoretical Research

Theoretical research differs from empirical research in that it focuses on logical principles and deduction in building a theory. In theoretical research, the direct goal is to build the most complete logical system that can be applied in a wide variety of situations Theoretical research uses various general theoretical (logical) methods, which can be used both in exclusively theoretically designed research and in empirical research, which usually always includes a theoretical part.

• Analysis: Breaking down complex concepts or problems into smaller, more manageable parts. Example: Breaking down a complex social problem such as poverty into its constituent parts, such as unemployment, lack of education and poor health care [3].

• Synthesis: Combining different ideas, information or parts into a unified whole. Example: Combining the findings of different studies on the effects of a new drug to gain a comprehensive insight into how it works [3].

• Abstraction: Extracting essential characteristics or properties from concrete examples or data. Example: Focusing on key factors influencing a company's success, such as innovation, efficient management and a strong brand, while ignoring less important details [4].

• Concretization: Emphasizing specific details to explain general concepts more clearly. Example: Using concrete real-life examples to illustrate abstract economic theories, such as showing the impact of inflation on individuals and families [4].

• Classification: Classifying objects, phenomena or concepts into different categories according to common characteristics. Example: Classifying different types of companies according to their size, industry or legal form [4].

• Compilation: Collecting and organizing information from various sources into a single work. Example: Preparing a review article that combines the findings of different research studies on a particular topic .

• Comparative method: Comparing different cases, phenomena or concepts to identify similarities and differences. Example: Comparing education systems in different countries to identify best practices [4].

• Historical method: Studying past events and trends to understand the present and predict the future. Example: Analyzing historical data on economic cycles to predict future economic movements [4].

Methods of Empirical Research

Empirical research emphasizes empiricism or deductive reasoning from experience2 . Unlike theoretical research, empirical research relies on actual evidence to test hypotheses and theories2 . Empirical research uses qualitative and quantitative methods2 . Specific data collection techniques include personal interviewing, telephone interviewing, postal surveys and online surveys2 . Empirical research is used to obtain information from short-term and long-term memory2 . The goal is to achieve an understanding of individual behavior

Quantitative methods

Quantitative methods focus on measuring and analyzing numerical data .

• Personal interviewing: The interviewer asks the interviewee questions in person and records the answers. Example: Surveying randomly selected people on the street about their political preferences .

• Telephone interviewing: Interviewing is done over the phone. Example: Surveying households about their energy use .

• Postal surveys: Survey questionnaires are sent to respondents by post. Example: Collecting data on customer satisfaction with a company's services by sending out surveys .

• Online surveys: Surveying takes place online. Example: Collecting data on user experience on a website .

• Structured observation: Observing and recording the behavior of respondents under standardized conditions. Example: Observing the number of customers entering a store in a given time .

Qualitative methods

Qualitative methods focus on understanding meanings, experiences and contexts .

• In-depth interviews: Conducting detailed interviews with respondents to obtain in-depth information about their attitudes, experiences and beliefs. Example: Interviewing entrepreneurs about their motivations and challenges .

• Discussion groups: Gathering a group of people to discuss a specific topic. Example: Organizing a focus group to discuss the response to a new product .

• Case studies: Detailed analysis of individual cases or examples. Example: Analyzing successful and unsuccessful marketing campaigns to identify key success factors .

• Projection techniques: Using indirect methods to encourage respondents to express their thoughts and feelings. Example: Using word association techniques to reveal respondents' attitudes towards a particular brand .

• Unstructured observation: Observing and recording the behavior of respondents in natural settings without predefined categories. Example: Observing interactions between employees in an office to understand workplace dynamics .

Triangulation and Complementary Use of Methods

There are two key approaches to integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods: complementary use of methods and triangulation approach.

Triangulation: In this approach, both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied to achieve the same research objective. By combining two different methodologies, researchers obtain more objective and reliable results than relying solely on one method. This technique enhances the validity and robustness of findings by cross-verifying data through multiple perspectives.

Complementary Use of Methods: Here, one method supports or enhances the other, allowing for flexible integration depending on research needs. For example:

• Exploratory Approach: A qualitative method can be used to generate potential answers to a survey question, which are then structured into a quantitative questionnaire.

• Explanatory Approach: Qualitative research can help interpret unexpected or unclear results from a quantitative study, providing deeper insights into statistical trends that numbers alone may not explain.

By strategically integrating these approaches, researchers can leverage the strengths of both methodologies, improving the depth, accuracy, and interpretability of statistical analyses.