IRM1501
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025 861902
Unique Number:
Due date: 20 August 2025
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
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
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.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025 861902
Unique Number:
Due date: 20 August 2025
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
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
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.
