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IRM1501 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - DUE 20 March 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2025
Contents
Generic Steps in the Empirical Research Process ..................................................................... 2
1. Identification of the Research Problem ................................................................................. 2
2. Review of Relevant Literature .................................................................................................. 3
3. Formulation of Research Questions or Hypotheses .......................................................... 3
4. Selection of Research Design and Methodology ................................................................ 4
5. Sampling and Selection of Participants or Data Sources................................................. 4
6. Data Collection ............................................................................................................................. 4
7. Data Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 5
8. Interpretation of Findings .......................................................................................................... 5
9. Conclusions and Recommendations ..................................................................................... 5
10. Reporting and Dissemination of Findings .......................................................................... 6
Logical Flow of the Empirical Research Process .................................................................... 6
, 2
1. Empirical research follows a systematic process designed to investigate
questions about the
real world through observation and evidence. Although specific research
methods may differ
across disciplines, empirical research methodology generally follows a set of
generic steps.
Discuss the generic steps in the empirical research process. In your answer,
clearly explain each
step and show how the steps are logically connected. Your discussion should
demonstrate an
understanding of how empirical research moves from identifying a research
problem to
reporting findings.
Generic Steps in the Empirical Research Process
Empirical research is a systematic and structured process through which researchers
investigate real-world phenomena using observable and measurable evidence.
Although the specific techniques used may differ across disciplines, empirical research
generally follows a series of interconnected steps that guide the researcher from the
identification of a problem to the reporting of findings. These steps are logically
sequenced, with each stage building on the outcomes of the previous one.
1. Identification of the Research Problem
The empirical research process begins with the identification of a research problem.
This involves recognising a gap in existing knowledge, a practical issue, or an
unresolved theoretical question that requires systematic investigation. The problem is
usually grounded in real-world observations, professional practice, or inconsistencies in
prior research findings.
A clearly defined research problem is essential because it determines the direction and
scope of the entire study. Without a well-articulated problem, the research risks
becoming unfocused or methodologically weak. This step logically leads to the next
IRM1501 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - DUE 20 March 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2025
Contents
Generic Steps in the Empirical Research Process ..................................................................... 2
1. Identification of the Research Problem ................................................................................. 2
2. Review of Relevant Literature .................................................................................................. 3
3. Formulation of Research Questions or Hypotheses .......................................................... 3
4. Selection of Research Design and Methodology ................................................................ 4
5. Sampling and Selection of Participants or Data Sources................................................. 4
6. Data Collection ............................................................................................................................. 4
7. Data Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 5
8. Interpretation of Findings .......................................................................................................... 5
9. Conclusions and Recommendations ..................................................................................... 5
10. Reporting and Dissemination of Findings .......................................................................... 6
Logical Flow of the Empirical Research Process .................................................................... 6
, 2
1. Empirical research follows a systematic process designed to investigate
questions about the
real world through observation and evidence. Although specific research
methods may differ
across disciplines, empirical research methodology generally follows a set of
generic steps.
Discuss the generic steps in the empirical research process. In your answer,
clearly explain each
step and show how the steps are logically connected. Your discussion should
demonstrate an
understanding of how empirical research moves from identifying a research
problem to
reporting findings.
Generic Steps in the Empirical Research Process
Empirical research is a systematic and structured process through which researchers
investigate real-world phenomena using observable and measurable evidence.
Although the specific techniques used may differ across disciplines, empirical research
generally follows a series of interconnected steps that guide the researcher from the
identification of a problem to the reporting of findings. These steps are logically
sequenced, with each stage building on the outcomes of the previous one.
1. Identification of the Research Problem
The empirical research process begins with the identification of a research problem.
This involves recognising a gap in existing knowledge, a practical issue, or an
unresolved theoretical question that requires systematic investigation. The problem is
usually grounded in real-world observations, professional practice, or inconsistencies in
prior research findings.
A clearly defined research problem is essential because it determines the direction and
scope of the entire study. Without a well-articulated problem, the research risks
becoming unfocused or methodologically weak. This step logically leads to the next
