What is Empirical Knowledge?
Empirical knowledge is information derived from sensory experience, observation, or experimentation. Unlike theoretical or innate knowledge, it is grounded in direct, observable evidence and practical experience. This type of knowledge is essential in research-based writing and fields like the natural sciences.
What is Empiricism?
Empiricism refers to a theory of knowledge that assumes knowledge primarily comes from sensory experience and direct observation. It emphasizes the collection and analysis of empirical evidence – such as data from experiments or observed phenomena – as the basis for forming and validating knowledge, rather than relying on innate ideas or purely theoretical speculation. This theory plays a critical role in scientific research and methodology, where observable and measurable evidence is paramount in establishing credible conclusions and understanding the natural world.
Related Concepts: Concrete, Sensory Language; Empirical Research Methods; Survey Research; Quantitative Research Methods