IRM1501
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique #:861902
Due Date: 20 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Empirical Research and its Components
Empirical research, also referred to as quantitative research in the IRM1501 module,
plays a central role in research methodology. It involves the collection and analysis
of data, which can be numerical or verbal, to investigate a specific problem or
phenomenon. The process of empirical research is systematic and structured, often
involving observation or experience as the primary basis for conclusions. Unlike
theoretical or purely conceptual studies, empirical research requires that findings be
verifiable through either direct observation or experimental replication. This focus on
verifiability is what distinguishes empirical research from other types of inquiry.1
Empirical research often relies on primary data collected through methods such as
surveys, experiments, and case studies. Alternatively, it may include the analysis of
existing secondary data. Regardless of the data source, the goal remains to produce
findings that are grounded in observable evidence.2 As such, empirical research is
especially useful in the social sciences, where it aims to understand and predict
human behaviour by analysing social patterns and phenomena.3
Components of Empirical Research
According to Wheeldon and Ahlberg, social science research, which includes
empirical research, is intended to “understand, explain, and predict human behaviour
by observing, reflecting, and/or measuring social phenomena.”4 Based on this view,
empirical research consists of four main components: descriptive, exploratory,
explanatory, and evaluation research. Each has a distinct purpose and methodology,
although they may overlap in practice.
1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research is concerned with providing a detailed account of a specific
social problem or phenomenon. It does not seek to explain causation but rather to
outline the characteristics, patterns, or distribution of an issue. Typical research
1
UNISA. 2018. IRM1501/501/3/2018: Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and Criminal Justice.
Pretoria: University of South Africa, p. 32.
2
Ibid
3
UNISA. 2018. IRM1501/501/3/2018, p. 32.
4
Wheeldon J. & Ahlberg M.K. 2014. Visualizing Social Science Research: Maps, Methods & Meaning. Thousand
Oaks: Sage Publications, cited in UNISA, IRM1501, p. 33.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique #:861902
Due Date: 20 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Empirical Research and its Components
Empirical research, also referred to as quantitative research in the IRM1501 module,
plays a central role in research methodology. It involves the collection and analysis
of data, which can be numerical or verbal, to investigate a specific problem or
phenomenon. The process of empirical research is systematic and structured, often
involving observation or experience as the primary basis for conclusions. Unlike
theoretical or purely conceptual studies, empirical research requires that findings be
verifiable through either direct observation or experimental replication. This focus on
verifiability is what distinguishes empirical research from other types of inquiry.1
Empirical research often relies on primary data collected through methods such as
surveys, experiments, and case studies. Alternatively, it may include the analysis of
existing secondary data. Regardless of the data source, the goal remains to produce
findings that are grounded in observable evidence.2 As such, empirical research is
especially useful in the social sciences, where it aims to understand and predict
human behaviour by analysing social patterns and phenomena.3
Components of Empirical Research
According to Wheeldon and Ahlberg, social science research, which includes
empirical research, is intended to “understand, explain, and predict human behaviour
by observing, reflecting, and/or measuring social phenomena.”4 Based on this view,
empirical research consists of four main components: descriptive, exploratory,
explanatory, and evaluation research. Each has a distinct purpose and methodology,
although they may overlap in practice.
1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research is concerned with providing a detailed account of a specific
social problem or phenomenon. It does not seek to explain causation but rather to
outline the characteristics, patterns, or distribution of an issue. Typical research
1
UNISA. 2018. IRM1501/501/3/2018: Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and Criminal Justice.
Pretoria: University of South Africa, p. 32.
2
Ibid
3
UNISA. 2018. IRM1501/501/3/2018, p. 32.
4
Wheeldon J. & Ahlberg M.K. 2014. Visualizing Social Science Research: Maps, Methods & Meaning. Thousand
Oaks: Sage Publications, cited in UNISA, IRM1501, p. 33.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
