IRM1501
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 20 March 2026
2 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED
GENERIC STEPS IN THE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROCESS
Empirical research is a systematic method of investigating real-world problems through
observation, evidence, and analysis. Although methods may differ across disciplines,
empirical research generally follows a set of generic steps that guide the researcher from
identifying a problem to presenting credible findings. These steps are logically connected
and ensure that research is focused, valid, and meaningful.
Step 1: Identifying the research problem
The first and most important step in empirical research is identifying and defining the
research problem.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED
GENERIC STEPS IN THE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROCESS
Empirical research is a systematic method of investigating real-world problems
through observation, evidence, and analysis. Although methods may differ across
disciplines, empirical research generally follows a set of generic steps that guide the
researcher from identifying a problem to presenting credible findings. These steps
are logically connected and ensure that research is focused, valid, and meaningful.
Step 1: Identifying the research problem
The first and most important step in empirical research is identifying and defining the
research problem. Before commencing with legal or social research, the researcher
must recognise a specific issue, policy concern, or gap in existing knowledge that
requires investigation.1 Clearly defining the research problem helps to narrow the
focus of the study and prevents the researcher from collecting irrelevant data. A well-
formulated problem statement provides direction for the entire research process, as
it determines what information is needed and why the research is necessary.2
Without a clearly defined research problem, the study risks becoming unfocused and
inefficient.
Step 2: Research design
Once the research problem has been identified, the next step is to design the
research. Research design refers to the overall structure and approach that will be
used to collect and analyse data.3 This includes deciding whether the study will
follow an experimental or non-experimental approach and determining how
participants or data sources will be selected. At this stage, the researcher plans how
the research will be conducted in a way that best addresses the research problem.
The research design ensures that the methods chosen are suitable for answering the
research questions and that the study can be conducted in a systematic and
organised manner.4
1
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
2
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
3
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
4
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 20 March 2026
2 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED
GENERIC STEPS IN THE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROCESS
Empirical research is a systematic method of investigating real-world problems through
observation, evidence, and analysis. Although methods may differ across disciplines,
empirical research generally follows a set of generic steps that guide the researcher from
identifying a problem to presenting credible findings. These steps are logically connected
and ensure that research is focused, valid, and meaningful.
Step 1: Identifying the research problem
The first and most important step in empirical research is identifying and defining the
research problem.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED
GENERIC STEPS IN THE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROCESS
Empirical research is a systematic method of investigating real-world problems
through observation, evidence, and analysis. Although methods may differ across
disciplines, empirical research generally follows a set of generic steps that guide the
researcher from identifying a problem to presenting credible findings. These steps
are logically connected and ensure that research is focused, valid, and meaningful.
Step 1: Identifying the research problem
The first and most important step in empirical research is identifying and defining the
research problem. Before commencing with legal or social research, the researcher
must recognise a specific issue, policy concern, or gap in existing knowledge that
requires investigation.1 Clearly defining the research problem helps to narrow the
focus of the study and prevents the researcher from collecting irrelevant data. A well-
formulated problem statement provides direction for the entire research process, as
it determines what information is needed and why the research is necessary.2
Without a clearly defined research problem, the study risks becoming unfocused and
inefficient.
Step 2: Research design
Once the research problem has been identified, the next step is to design the
research. Research design refers to the overall structure and approach that will be
used to collect and analyse data.3 This includes deciding whether the study will
follow an experimental or non-experimental approach and determining how
participants or data sources will be selected. At this stage, the researcher plans how
the research will be conducted in a way that best addresses the research problem.
The research design ensures that the methods chosen are suitable for answering the
research questions and that the study can be conducted in a systematic and
organised manner.4
1
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
2
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
3
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
4
IRM1501 Study Guide (University of South Africa 2018) 39.
