[Company name]
IRM1501
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
PORTFOLIO Semester 2
2024 - DUE 10 October
2024
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
, IRM1501 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PORTFOLIO Semester 2 2024 - DUE 10 October
2024
QUESTION 1
Discuss empirical research and its components and provide examples where
necessary. (15 marks)
Empirical Research and Its Components
Empirical research refers to a way of gaining knowledge through direct or indirect
observation and experience rather than relying on theory or belief alone. It involves
collecting and analyzing data to answer specific questions or test hypotheses. The
approach emphasizes objectivity, allowing researchers to produce findings that are
replicable and verifiable. Empirical research can be either quantitative, focusing on
numerical data, or qualitative, focusing on non-numerical insights.
The key components of empirical research include:
1. Research Question/Hypothesis
Every empirical study begins with a clear, specific question or hypothesis that guides
the research. The research question identifies the issue being explored, while the
hypothesis is a testable statement predicting the study's outcome.
• Example: A hypothesis might be, "Students who sleep for at least 7 hours the
night before an exam perform better than those who sleep less."
2. Operationalization of Variables
IRM1501
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
PORTFOLIO Semester 2
2024 - DUE 10 October
2024
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
, IRM1501 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PORTFOLIO Semester 2 2024 - DUE 10 October
2024
QUESTION 1
Discuss empirical research and its components and provide examples where
necessary. (15 marks)
Empirical Research and Its Components
Empirical research refers to a way of gaining knowledge through direct or indirect
observation and experience rather than relying on theory or belief alone. It involves
collecting and analyzing data to answer specific questions or test hypotheses. The
approach emphasizes objectivity, allowing researchers to produce findings that are
replicable and verifiable. Empirical research can be either quantitative, focusing on
numerical data, or qualitative, focusing on non-numerical insights.
The key components of empirical research include:
1. Research Question/Hypothesis
Every empirical study begins with a clear, specific question or hypothesis that guides
the research. The research question identifies the issue being explored, while the
hypothesis is a testable statement predicting the study's outcome.
• Example: A hypothesis might be, "Students who sleep for at least 7 hours the
night before an exam perform better than those who sleep less."
2. Operationalization of Variables