difference between theoretical and experimental research

Difference between Theoretical and Empirical Research

The difference between theoretical and empirical research is fundamental to scientific, scholarly research, as it separates the development of ideas and models from their testing and validation.

These two approaches are used in many different fields of inquiry, including the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and they serve different purposes and employ different methods.

Table of Contents

What is theoretical research.

Theoretical research involves the development of models, frameworks, and theories based on existing knowledge, logic, and intuition.

It aims to explain and predict phenomena, generate new ideas and insights, and provide a foundation for further research.

Theoretical research often takes place at the conceptual level and is typically based on existing knowledge, data, and assumptions.

What is Empirical Research?

In contrast, empirical research involves collecting and analysing data to test theories and models.

Empirical research is often conducted at the observational or experimental level and is based on direct or indirect observation of the world.

Empirical research involves testing theories and models, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, and refining or rejecting existing knowledge.

Theoretical vs Empirical Research

Theoretical research is often seen as the starting point for empirical research, providing the ideas and models that must be tested and validated.

Theoretical research can be qualitative or quantitative and involve mathematical models, simulations, and other computational methods.

Theoretical research is often conducted in isolation, without reference to primary data or observations.

On the other hand, empirical research is often seen as the final stage in the scientific process, as it provides evidence that supports or refutes theoretical models.

Empirical research can be qualitative or quantitative, involving surveys, experiments, observational studies, and other data collection methods.

Empirical research is often conducted in collaboration with others and is based on systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

It is important to note that theoretical and empirical research are not mutually exclusive and can often complement each other.

For example, empirical data can inform the development of theories and models, and theoretical models can guide the design of empirical studies.

The most valuable research combines theoretical and empirical approaches in many fields, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the studied phenomena.

It is important to note that this table is not meant to be exhaustive or prescriptive but rather to provide a general overview of the main difference between theoretical and empirical research.

The boundaries between these two approaches are not always clear, and in many cases, research may involve a combination of theoretical and empirical methods.

What are the Limitations of Theoretical Research?

Assumptions and simplifications may be made that do not accurately reflect the complexity of real-world phenomena, which is one of its limitations. Theoretical research relies heavily on logic and deductive reasoning, which can sometimes be biased or limited by the researcher’s assumptions and perspectives.

Furthermore, theoretical research may not be directly applicable to real-world situations without empirical validation. Applying theoretical ideas to practical situations is difficult if no empirical evidence supports or refutes them.

Furthermore, theoretical research may be limited by the availability of data and the researcher’s ability to access and interpret it, which can further limit the validity and applicability of theories.

What are the Limitations of Empirical Research?

There are many limitations to empirical research, including the limitations of the data available and the quality of the data that can be collected. Data collection can be limited by the resources available to collect the data, accessibility to populations or individuals of interest, or ethical constraints.

The researchers or participants may also introduce biases into empirical research, resulting in inaccurate or unreliable findings.

Lastly, due to confounding variables or other methodological limitations, empirical research may be limited by the inability to establish causal relationships between variables, even when statistical associations are identified.

What Methods Are Used In Theoretical Research?

In theoretical research, deductive reasoning, logical analysis, and conceptual frameworks generate new ideas and hypotheses. To identify gaps and inconsistencies in the present understanding of a phenomenon, theoretical research may involve analyzing existing literature and theories.

To test hypotheses and generate predictions, mathematical or computational models may also be developed.

Researchers may also use thought experiments or simulations to explore the implications of their ideas and hypotheses without collecting empirical data as part of theoretical research.

Theoretical research seeks to develop a conceptual framework for empirically testing and validating phenomena.

What Methods Are Used In Empirical Research?

Methods used in empirical research depend on the research questions, type of data collected, and study design. Surveys, experiments, observations, case studies, and interviews are common methods used in empirical research.

An empirical study tests hypotheses and generates new knowledge about phenomena by systematically collecting and analyzing data.

These methods may utilize standardized instruments or protocols for data collection consistency and reliability. Statistical analysis, content analysis, or qualitative analysis may be used for the data collection type.

As a result of empirical research, the findings can inform theories, models, and practical applications.

Conclusion: Theoretical vs Empirical Research

In conclusion, theoretical and empirical research are two distinct but interrelated approaches to scientific inquiry, and they serve different purposes and employ different methods.

Theoretical research involves the development of ideas and models, while empirical research involves testing and validating these ideas.

Both approaches are essential to research and can be combined to provide a more complete understanding of the world.

• Dictionary.com. “ Empirical vs Theoretical “.
• PennState University Libraries. “ Empirical Research in the Social Sciences and Education “.
• William M. Landes and Richard A. Posner. “ Legal Precedent: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis “, The Journal of Law and Economics, 1976.

Read more articles

CEO - Peoples Energy Analytics

Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental  Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy  

Destenie Nock, PhD

Types of Research: Theoretical, Computational, and Experimental

Updated: Jul 8, 2021

When you are thinking of graduate school a big question is what type of research do you want to do. There are three types that stick out: Theoretical, Computational, and Experimental

February 12, 2021

By Destenie Nock

What type of research project do you want to work on? Do you want to get your hands dirty doing something hands on? Would you prefer to be interacting with people on a regular basis? Are you more comfortable having the flexibility of everything being conveniently done at a computer? I think most research projects fall into one of three categories: (1) theoretical, (2) computational, (3a) experimental - laboratory, and (3b) experimental - field work.

Theoretical - You use equations to prove stuff and you think a lot. Here you focus on equations and develop laws or guiding principles for a physical system. The ultimate goal is to prove something. Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena. These can also challenge and extend existing knowledge. an example project might me proving that a sequence of numbers converges, or that thee is a pattern to prime numbers.

Computational - You work primarily on the computer. Normally you are applying the theory but you aren't proving it. You may be building a computer code that analyzes trends in data, or you might be building a simulation model, which analyzes the sustainability of an electricity system . In your research project you will gain the tools to integrate the vast amount of data being generated by experimental researchers. In a sense the experimentalists are building puzzle pieces and the computationalists are putting the puzzle together. In a nutshell here you are analyzing data behind a computer screen.

Experimental research typically validates the theoretical research. One of the roles of an experimentalist is to design ways for theories to be tested and subsequently verified or denied.

Experimental (Laboratory) - You work with your hands, and are creating, testing, or building things in the lab. Experimental science usually involves designing experiments, carrying them out, and some sort of interpretation of the experimental results. An example project might be that you are growing plants in an incubator and observing how different levels of nitrogen impacts root growth. You might be making atoms collide to observe subatomic structures. Or you could be testing how to filter out different types of chemicals from drinking water. In a nutshell you are doing experiments in a lab.

Experimental (Field Work) - You need to travel and observe things in society or nature. You might be traveling to the Caribbean to investigate the extent of coral bleaching, or observing how forest fire impact the level of nitrogen in the soil. You could sit in a classroom and observe how different teaching styles impact student levels of engagement and understanding.

The type of research you do can really impact how long it takes you to graduate. When considering graduate schools it is important that while you are thinking about the type of research you want to work on, you also ask your potential graduate school adviser about graduation rates and their expectations .

Keep up to date with graduate school advice by subscribing below. Thanks for reading.

Note about the Author: Note about the Author: Dr. Destenie Nock is a leader in energy justice and decision analysis. She is an Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Her current work is focused on 1) identifying who is experience energy poverty, and 2) creating optimization and decision analysis models which highlight the sustainability and equality trade-offs nations will make in energy transitions. She obtained a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from UMass Amherst. Her PhD work was computational in nature and involved creating mathematical models which simulated electricity systems and evaluated them in terms of their sustainability. Her papers detailing her current published research in social justice, sustainability, and electricity modeling can be found here .

• Graduate School Advice

Recent Posts

Proficient Publishing: How to write more papers without pulling out (too much of) your hair

Build Your Research Brand in 4 Easy Steps

The Job Talk: 7 Tips for Preparing a Great Presentation

Thanks for sharing such a informatic blog If you are searching for best assignment help in UK then write my dissertation  is the best choice for you. We provide top quality writing services at affordable rates. We have expert writers who provide you top rated services.

What is the difference between experimental and theoretical research?

A theory is usually expected to explain existing experimental results and to predict new results, while an experiment is usually expected to check the validity of existing theories and to gather data for modifying them.

Table of Contents

Is theoretical physics tough?

Any degree is hard work, and Theoretical Physics takes on the tough side of a regular physics degree. There are more math lectures and programming, and less lab time. Think of it as a half-mathematics and half physics degree, with programming mixed into both.

What is meant by experimental physics?

Experimental physics is the category of disciplines and sub-disciplines in the field of physics that are concerned with the observation of physical phenomena and experiments.

What is the difference between theoretical physics and physics?

Physics degrees most commonly exist in two forms: straight physics and theoretical physics. These degrees include much of the same course material, with the key difference being that straight physics degrees normally involve more practical laboratory work, while theoretical physics focuses more on mathematical content.

What do experimental physicists do?

Experimental physicists usually work in a lab and seek to test hypotheses and theories, to make discoveries of new phenomena, or to develop new applications of ideas. Theoretical physicists use mathematics to develop explanations of experimental data, formulate new theories, and make new predictions hypotheses.

How do you compare theoretical and experimental results?

The main difference between experimental and theoretical probability is that experimental probability is based on the actual results of an experiment. In contrast, the theoretical probability is based on possible outcomes based on assumptions. Also, there is a difference in the formula too.

What is a theoretical physicist salary?

The salaries of Theoretical Physicists in the US range from $55,610 to $185,230 , with a median salary of $98,391 . The middle 50% of Theoretical Physicists makes between $84,902 and $98,390, with the top 83% making $185,230.

Who is the most famous theoretical physicist?

Albert Einstein (arguably the greatest theoretical physicist of all time), who has revised at the most fundamental level Newton’s concepts of space and time, his dynamics and theory of gravity.

Who is the greatest experimental physicist?

Ernest Rutherford New Zealand-born Rutherford (1871-1937) is considered one of the greatest of all experimental physicists.

Is an experimental physicist an engineer?

Both do similar work… but the engineer is more focused on the *building*, and the physicist is more focused on the *using*. Like nlsherrill said “The physicist is usually trying to understand what isn’t known, and the engineer is usually trying to create new things from what is already known.”

Is quantum physics theoretical physics?

Short answer: Theoretical physics is one of two branches of physics: theoretical and experimental. Like other types of physics, quantum physics has both a theoretical physics branch and an experimental physics branch.

What do theoretical physicists do all day?

Common duties of theoretical physicists may be to: Conduct research on physical phenomena using computers and data analysis. Develop theories based on observations and calculations. Create methods to apply physical laws and theories.

What is harder pure math or physics?

Physics is harder. If you major in physics then you’ll end up taking almost as much math as the math majors. I had to take so many math courses the I figured “what the heck” and took math courses for electives and had a second major in math. The extra work wasn’t too bad.

What’s the point of theoretical physics?

Modern theoretical physics attempts to unify theories and explain phenomena in further attempts to understand the Universe, from the cosmological to the elementary particle scale. Where experimentation cannot be done, theoretical physics still tries to advance through the use of mathematical models .

Do physicists make a lot of money?

The median annual wage for physicists was $152,430 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $78,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000. Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

What qualifications do you need to be an experimental physicist?

You’ll need a degree in physics, applied physics, or a related science or engineering subject. You may also need a relevant postgraduate qualification, like a master’s degree or PhD. If you do not have the required entry qualifications to do a physics degree, you may be able to do a 1-year physics foundation course.

Who is known as father of experimental physics?

Galileo Galilei was and is sometimes referred to as “the father of experimental science.” Galileo didn’t take much on faith, rather, he tested his ideas through experiments and expressed them in mathematical form.

Why is there a difference between theoretical and experimental values?

This difference is due to three factors: the variation of the diffusion voltage, the nonzero electric field at the boundaries of the depletion region, and the contribution of electrons and holes. The exact values also disagree with the experimental results.

Which is more reliable theoretical or experimental probability?

That’s why predictions based on experimental probability are always less reliable than those based on theoretical probability. In general, the greater the number of outcomes you have, the closer a prediction based on probability is likely to be.

What is theoretical and experimental?

Theoretical probability describes how likely an event is to occur. We know that a coin is equally likely to land heads or tails, so the theoretical probability of getting heads is 1/2. Experimental probability describes how frequently an event actually occurred in an experiment.

Does NASA hire physicists?

As with all jobs for physicists and astrophysicists, jobs at NASA are competitive, even for those with advanced degrees. Entry-level jobs are always tough to break into.

How many years does it take to become a theoretical physicist?

Achieving a doctorate in physics or mathematics is required to become a theoretical physicist. This step takes an average of eight years of higher educational learning.

How much do physicists make at NASA?

The estimated total pay for a Research Physicist at NASA is $147,146 per year.

Who is No 1 scientist in the world?

Albert Einstein is one of the most famous scientists in the world. He used to be an eccentric person who was perhaps the only scientist in the world who has become such a household name. His theories of relativity, gravitation and his understanding of molecules have defined new approaches in science.

What is the coolest part of physics?

• Wave Particle Duality . PASIEKA/Science Photo Library/Getty Images.
• Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
• Quantum Probability & The Measurement Problem.
• Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle .
• Quantum Entanglement & Nonlocality.
• Unified Field Theory.
• The Big Bang.
• Dark Matter & Dark Energy.

Craving More Content?

Read our latest blog posts

How do you calculate a streakline.

PATHLINE. x=xo+1−cos(y−yo) STREAMLINE. x=xo+(y−yo)sin(t) STREAKLINE. x=x +cos(y −y+t)−cos(t) What does a pathline indicate? Path Lines – A path line is the line traced by a single…

What is the difference between critical supercritical and subcritical mass?

Critical mass and the fissile core A mass that is less than the critical amount is said to be subcritical, while a mass greater than the…

Why are spectroscopes used?

A spectroscope is a hand-held device used to identify the spectral composition of light. Light passes through a slit at one end, enters a prism, and…

Notifications

Henry Whittemore Library

Research skills hub.

• Click on a section, choose a topic. On computers, page opens on the right. On mobile, scroll past menu to read.
• Who are Our 'Experts'?
• The Information Timeline
• Peer Review
• The Internet vs. Academic Databases
• What kind of Info is in Databases?
• What's in OUR Library's Collection? This link opens in a new window
• Data vs Information
• Popular vs. Scholarly
• Grey Literature
• Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Sources
• What KIND of Info do You Need?
• Find & Narrow Topics
• Keywords from your Topic
• Concept / Mind Mapping
• Advanced Database Features
• Use Boolean Connectors
• Use Phrases
• Use Database Fields
• Use Truncation
• Use Database Limiters
• Use Synonyms
• Use Wildcards
• Use Database Subjects
• Find Better Keywords DURING Your Search
• Find Primary HISTORICAL sources via date limiting
• Google Advanced Search Tricks
• Search Google Scholar
• Reference Mining
• Citation Tracking
• About Call Numbers
• Periodical's Content Not the Same as the Periodical's Website!
• From a scholarly journal - But what IS it??
• Anatomy of a Scientific Research Article
• Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Articles
• Theoretical vs Empirical Research Articles

Theoretical vs Empirical Articles

• Types of Review Articles
• Identify the Research Study Type
• Spotting Bad Science
• Types of Scientific Evidence
• Found it in a newspaper - What is it??
• More About News Evaluation
• Webste Evaluation
• Fear & Loathing on Social Media
• Pseudoscience on Social Media -the Slippery Slope
• Getting Full Text During Library Site Searches
• Find Free Full Text on the Internet
• Got a Citation? Check the Library for Full Text
• Make an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Request
• Better Organize What You Found
• Organize with Zotero
• Organize with Google Docs
• Organize using personal accounts in databases
• Just store stuff on your laptop?
• Print / Save as PDF Website Info Without the Ads
• Avoid Plagiarism
• Why SO MANY citation systems?
• Why Citations in the Text?
• Citing vs Attribution
• Paraphrase Correctly
• Create a Bibliography
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Our Complete Citation Guide This link opens in a new window

Theoretical Research  is a logical exploration of a system of beliefs and assumptions, working with abstract principles related to a field of knowledge.

• Essentially...theorizing

Empirical Research is    based on real-life direct or indirect observation and measurement of phenomena by a researcher.

• Basically... Collecting data by Observing or Experimenting

• << Previous: Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Articles
• Next: Types of Review Articles >>
• Last Updated: Oct 23, 2024 12:26 PM
• URL: https://library.framingham.edu/research-skills-hub

Library Socials

Contact us:.

[email protected] Phone: (508) 626-4650 [email protected] Phone: (508) 626-4654

Search this site

Writing Center FAQs

• Capella FAQs Home
• Capella FAQs
• Writing Center

Q: What is the difference between theoretical research and applied research?

• Career Center
• Disability Support
• Doctoral Support
• Learner Records
• Military Support
• Office of Research & Scholarship
• Quantitative Skills Center
• Scholarships & Grants
• Technical Support
• 13 APA Style
• 16 Composition
• 8 References
• 22 Resources
• 24 Writing Center
• 6 Writing Studio

You Search Writing Center FAQs

Search All FAQs

Answer Last Updated: Aug 24, 2017 Views: 42039

In short, “applied research” tackles a “real world” question and attempts to solve a problem, whereas “theoretical research” attempts to gather knowledge about a phenomenon or idea whose conclusions may not have any immediate real-world application.

• Theoretical research is explanatory, and leads to the advancement of “knowledge for knowledge’s sake.”
• Applied research is for development purposes and seeks to solve a practical problem.
• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Yes 0 No 0

Still have questions? Email us.   [email protected]

Related Topics