2025
IRM1501
EXAM PACK
2025
UNISA EXAM
,IRM1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 20 MARCH 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 246963
Empirical research follows a systematic process designed to investigate questions
about the real world through observation and evidence. Although specific methods may
vary across disciplines, empirical research methodology involves a set of generic steps
that guide researchers from the identification of a problem to the interpretation of the
findings of the research.
In the light of the above, explain what empirical research is and further discuss
the generic steps/stages of empirical research methodology.
Empirical Research and the Generic Steps of Empirical Research Methodology
Research in law and social sciences is not limited to reading books, cases and
legislation only. Sometimes researchers must go into the real world to collect
information from people, institutions or events. This type of research is known as
empirical research. Empirical research follows a systematic and structured process that
helps the researcher move from identifying a problem to collecting evidence and
interpreting results.
,What is Empirical Research?
Empirical research refers to a research process in which data is collected and analysed
through observation or experience rather than only relying on theory or documents
(Study Unit 3, s 3.2). In other words, the researcher gathers real-world evidence to
answer a research question. According to the study guide, data may be numerical or
verbal information that is collected during the research process (Study Unit 3, s 3.2).
This data helps the researcher follow a specific, focused and structured methodology.
Empirical research is therefore systematic and organised, not random.
The key features of empirical research include:
It relies on experience and observation
It involves data collection and analysis
It follows a clear method or process
The findings must be verifiable through observation or experiment
For example, instead of only reading the Child Justice Act, a researcher may interview
magistrates or analyse court statistics to see whether the Act actually diverts children
from prison. This makes the research empirical.
Components (Types) of Empirical Research
Empirical research must have a specific purpose and follow a particular method of
collecting data (Study Unit 3, s 3.3). The study guide explains that empirical research
generally aims to describe, explore, explain or evaluate a research topic.
, 1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research aims to describe and define a particular social or legal problem. It
answers questions such as what, how many, where and when (Study Unit 3, s 3.3.1).
It does not try to explain causes but simply gives information about the situation.
Example:
How many sexual offences courts are there in South Africa?
This type of research helps create a clear picture of a problem.
2. Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is used when little or no research has been done on a topic (Study
Unit 3, s 3.3.2). It helps the researcher understand what is really happening and to
explore new ideas or opinions.
Example:
Exploring public opinions about the limitations of the POPI Act.
This type of research is useful at the beginning of a study because it helps the
researcher gain basic knowledge.
3. Explanatory Research
Explanatory research focuses on explaining why something happens or why things are
the way they are (Study Unit 3, s 3.3.3). It looks for causes and relationships between
variables.
IRM1501
EXAM PACK
2025
UNISA EXAM
,IRM1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 20 MARCH 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 246963
Empirical research follows a systematic process designed to investigate questions
about the real world through observation and evidence. Although specific methods may
vary across disciplines, empirical research methodology involves a set of generic steps
that guide researchers from the identification of a problem to the interpretation of the
findings of the research.
In the light of the above, explain what empirical research is and further discuss
the generic steps/stages of empirical research methodology.
Empirical Research and the Generic Steps of Empirical Research Methodology
Research in law and social sciences is not limited to reading books, cases and
legislation only. Sometimes researchers must go into the real world to collect
information from people, institutions or events. This type of research is known as
empirical research. Empirical research follows a systematic and structured process that
helps the researcher move from identifying a problem to collecting evidence and
interpreting results.
,What is Empirical Research?
Empirical research refers to a research process in which data is collected and analysed
through observation or experience rather than only relying on theory or documents
(Study Unit 3, s 3.2). In other words, the researcher gathers real-world evidence to
answer a research question. According to the study guide, data may be numerical or
verbal information that is collected during the research process (Study Unit 3, s 3.2).
This data helps the researcher follow a specific, focused and structured methodology.
Empirical research is therefore systematic and organised, not random.
The key features of empirical research include:
It relies on experience and observation
It involves data collection and analysis
It follows a clear method or process
The findings must be verifiable through observation or experiment
For example, instead of only reading the Child Justice Act, a researcher may interview
magistrates or analyse court statistics to see whether the Act actually diverts children
from prison. This makes the research empirical.
Components (Types) of Empirical Research
Empirical research must have a specific purpose and follow a particular method of
collecting data (Study Unit 3, s 3.3). The study guide explains that empirical research
generally aims to describe, explore, explain or evaluate a research topic.
, 1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research aims to describe and define a particular social or legal problem. It
answers questions such as what, how many, where and when (Study Unit 3, s 3.3.1).
It does not try to explain causes but simply gives information about the situation.
Example:
How many sexual offences courts are there in South Africa?
This type of research helps create a clear picture of a problem.
2. Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is used when little or no research has been done on a topic (Study
Unit 3, s 3.3.2). It helps the researcher understand what is really happening and to
explore new ideas or opinions.
Example:
Exploring public opinions about the limitations of the POPI Act.
This type of research is useful at the beginning of a study because it helps the
researcher gain basic knowledge.
3. Explanatory Research
Explanatory research focuses on explaining why something happens or why things are
the way they are (Study Unit 3, s 3.3.3). It looks for causes and relationships between
variables.
