IRM1501
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 20 March 2026
, Generic steps in the empirical research process
Empirical research is about answering questions using evidence from the real world. It
does not rely on opinion or theory alone. Instead, it follows a logical and systematic
process that starts with identifying a problem and ends with reporting findings that can
be evaluated, replicated, or applied. Although the methods used may differ, the core
steps of the empirical research process remain largely the same across disciplines.
Step 1 Identifying and defining the research problem
The empirical research process begins with the identification of a research problem.
This step involves recognising an issue, gap, or unanswered question that exists in
practice or in the academic literature. A research problem must be clear, focused, and
researchable. It should also be relevant to the field of study.
For example, a researcher may notice that first year university students have a high
dropout rate. This observation alone is not yet a research problem. The problem
becomes clearer when it is defined as, for instance, a lack of understanding of the
factors that contribute to first year student dropout at a specific institution.
This step is logically connected to the rest of the process because a poorly defined
problem will lead to weak research questions, inappropriate methods, and meaningless
findings. According to Creswell and Creswell, a clearly stated research problem
provides direction for all subsequent research decisions (Creswell and Creswell, 2018).
Step 2 Reviewing the literature
Once the research problem has been identified, the researcher conducts a literature
review. This involves systematically studying existing research, theories, and empirical
findings related to the problem. The purpose is to understand what is already known,
identify gaps in knowledge, and avoid duplicating previous studies.
Continuing with the example, the researcher would review studies on student retention,
academic preparedness, socio economic factors, and institutional support systems.
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 20 March 2026
, Generic steps in the empirical research process
Empirical research is about answering questions using evidence from the real world. It
does not rely on opinion or theory alone. Instead, it follows a logical and systematic
process that starts with identifying a problem and ends with reporting findings that can
be evaluated, replicated, or applied. Although the methods used may differ, the core
steps of the empirical research process remain largely the same across disciplines.
Step 1 Identifying and defining the research problem
The empirical research process begins with the identification of a research problem.
This step involves recognising an issue, gap, or unanswered question that exists in
practice or in the academic literature. A research problem must be clear, focused, and
researchable. It should also be relevant to the field of study.
For example, a researcher may notice that first year university students have a high
dropout rate. This observation alone is not yet a research problem. The problem
becomes clearer when it is defined as, for instance, a lack of understanding of the
factors that contribute to first year student dropout at a specific institution.
This step is logically connected to the rest of the process because a poorly defined
problem will lead to weak research questions, inappropriate methods, and meaningless
findings. According to Creswell and Creswell, a clearly stated research problem
provides direction for all subsequent research decisions (Creswell and Creswell, 2018).
Step 2 Reviewing the literature
Once the research problem has been identified, the researcher conducts a literature
review. This involves systematically studying existing research, theories, and empirical
findings related to the problem. The purpose is to understand what is already known,
identify gaps in knowledge, and avoid duplicating previous studies.
Continuing with the example, the researcher would review studies on student retention,
academic preparedness, socio economic factors, and institutional support systems.
