IRM1501
PORTFOLIO (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 10 October 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than October 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: Discuss Empirical Research and Its Components
Empirical research is a type of study that seeks to gain knowledge through direct or indirect
observation and experience. Unlike theoretical research, which is based on abstract reasoning and
hypotheses, empirical research gathers data from real-world observations or experiments. This
data-driven approach allows researchers to test hypotheses or address specific questions using
measurable and observable evidence. The components of empirical research are as follows:
Research Problem or Question
This is the starting point, and it represents the issue the researcher aims to investigate. The problem
or question is formulated based on a gap in knowledge or a real-world issue that requires
exploration.
Example:- A researcher might explore whether prolonged exposure to social media impacts mental
health. The research question could be: "Does the use of social media for over 3 hours daily lead to
higher levels of anxiety among university students?"
PORTFOLIO (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 10 October 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than October 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: Discuss Empirical Research and Its Components
Empirical research is a type of study that seeks to gain knowledge through direct or indirect
observation and experience. Unlike theoretical research, which is based on abstract reasoning and
hypotheses, empirical research gathers data from real-world observations or experiments. This
data-driven approach allows researchers to test hypotheses or address specific questions using
measurable and observable evidence. The components of empirical research are as follows:
Research Problem or Question
This is the starting point, and it represents the issue the researcher aims to investigate. The problem
or question is formulated based on a gap in knowledge or a real-world issue that requires
exploration.
Example:- A researcher might explore whether prolonged exposure to social media impacts mental
health. The research question could be: "Does the use of social media for over 3 hours daily lead to
higher levels of anxiety among university students?"
