SUMMARY OF EMPIRICAL PHASE

 

EMPIRICAL PHASE

It is a phase where in all data that is collected are obtained using appropriate plans. This phase is the most  time- consuming becuase it focuses the data which the researcher needs for investigation. The word empirical describes any information gained by experience, observation, or experiment. One of the central tenets of the scientific method is that evidence must be empirical, i.e. based on evidence observable to the senses.

This involves the collection of data and the preparation of data for analysis. A data collection plan needs to be developed  specifying:

• What data will be collected;

• How the data will be collected (i.e., in person, over the phone);

• Who will collect the data;

• How data collectors will be trained; and

• The data collection procedure (i.e., what order forms are filled out, what the interview 

questions are).

Considerable attention to  detail is required in the data collection phase of any research study in order to decrease the introduction of bias and to ensure complete data sets for all participants.If the study design is experimental, data collectors should be blinded to participant group assignment to avoid the potential for bias. The researcher also needs to have procedures in place if participants become upset or have any problems with the data collection procedure (particularly when interviewing study participants on potentially difficult ).