key term - Empirical evidence

Definition

Empirical evidence is data and information obtained through observation or experimentation that can be verified or disproven through empirical methods. In sociology, it serves as the basis for understanding the social world by providing concrete, measurable facts.

Related terms

Qualitative Research:

A method of sociological research that focuses on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences through textual or visual data rather than numerical.

Quantitative Research:

A research method in sociology that involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends.

Hypothesis Testing: The process of making predictions based on a theory and then using empirical evidence to determine whether those predictions hold true