Kayleigh May
Student number: 68021321
IRM1501 – Assignment 1
Date: 24/05/2021
, Question 1
Empirical research is also referred to as quantitative research, which refers to the process
of the collection and analysis of data. The researcher would rely on experience or
observations, which does not always take certain systems and theories into
consideration. If the researcher arrives at a conclusion, it should be able to be verified by
either observation or experiment. This is due to the research being data based, and
primary information, such as surveys and case studies can be used to verify the
conclusion.
An example of empirical research would be if an experiment is conducted to determine
whether a certain style of music promotes creativity or not, by exposing one group of
people to this particular kind of music and another group not, and asking them a series of
questions pertaining to their creativity levels during the process. The answers from all
participants would then be gathered and from there it could be determined if the music
had an effect on the participants or not.
Question 2
Ubuntu is a difficult concept to explain, as there is no set definition, but the general notion
of Ubuntu relies on the phrase “I am because we are” and “humanity towards others”. The
core of Ubuntu speaks to the essence of a human being, and has to do with love,
compassion and kindness that one person displays towards others. In S v Makwanyane1,
Justice Yvonne Mokgoro provided the following definition of Ubuntu:
Generally, Ubuntu translates as humaneness. In its most fundamental sense, it translates as
personhood and morality… describing the significance of group solidarity on survival solidarity,
compassion, respect, human dignity, conformity to basic norms and collective unity, in its
fundamental sense it denotes humanity and morality.
1
S v Makwanyane and Another (CCT 3/94) 1995 (3) SA 391 (CC)
Student number: 68021321
IRM1501 – Assignment 1
Date: 24/05/2021
, Question 1
Empirical research is also referred to as quantitative research, which refers to the process
of the collection and analysis of data. The researcher would rely on experience or
observations, which does not always take certain systems and theories into
consideration. If the researcher arrives at a conclusion, it should be able to be verified by
either observation or experiment. This is due to the research being data based, and
primary information, such as surveys and case studies can be used to verify the
conclusion.
An example of empirical research would be if an experiment is conducted to determine
whether a certain style of music promotes creativity or not, by exposing one group of
people to this particular kind of music and another group not, and asking them a series of
questions pertaining to their creativity levels during the process. The answers from all
participants would then be gathered and from there it could be determined if the music
had an effect on the participants or not.
Question 2
Ubuntu is a difficult concept to explain, as there is no set definition, but the general notion
of Ubuntu relies on the phrase “I am because we are” and “humanity towards others”. The
core of Ubuntu speaks to the essence of a human being, and has to do with love,
compassion and kindness that one person displays towards others. In S v Makwanyane1,
Justice Yvonne Mokgoro provided the following definition of Ubuntu:
Generally, Ubuntu translates as humaneness. In its most fundamental sense, it translates as
personhood and morality… describing the significance of group solidarity on survival solidarity,
compassion, respect, human dignity, conformity to basic norms and collective unity, in its
fundamental sense it denotes humanity and morality.
1
S v Makwanyane and Another (CCT 3/94) 1995 (3) SA 391 (CC)
