Science is the field of human activity, thanks to which we have such a high standard of living (when compared with the past). In its framework, many different methods are used. One of them is an empirical description. This is a linguistic fixation of data identified by observation. How is the method used and implemented in practice? We will consider these and other questions within the framework of this article.
general information
It should be understood that the empirical description refers to the scientific knowledge of the world. Since ancient times, man has used one of the most important components of such a study - observation. In this case, this refers to the purposeful perception of phenomena in objective reality, during which knowledge is obtained about the external sides of the properties and relationships that the observed objects have. An empirical description is a method of scientific cognition of the world in which information is fixed using natural language (although artificial ones later began to be used). Modernity has made adjustments. Now sensual descriptions are translated into signs, concepts, diagrams, graphs and numbers. In other words, they take the form that will be most convenient for subsequent rational study.
Scientific observation
By this is understood not a simple passive contemplation of the world. Scientific observation is a special type of activity, which includes the presence of a knowledgeable person, usually a scientist, an object and means. The latter include devices and material media for transmitting information. An important feature of scientific observation is the focused nature of its implementation. This is due to the fact that there are preliminary ideas and hypotheses that form the final task. This is an important difference from ordinary contemplation. Observation and empirical description are closely related areas that ultimately consolidate and transmit results using iconic means. Then, further processing is carried out, which includes classification, systematization and generalization.
Description Types
There are only two of them:
- High quality.
- Quantitative.
A qualitative description is an empirical method in which numbers are not used to refine the data. As an example, the following definition can be given: an apple is green. Quantitative description involves the implementation of activities using the language of mathematics. A variety of measurement procedures are also contemplated. In a narrow sense, a quantitative description implies only fixing the data obtained. With more thorough work, empirical relationships between the results are also found.
Comparison
It underlies the measurement operation. Through comparison, they find similar properties or sides of objects.
For convenience, certain units of measurement are used, which make it possible to express the characteristics of the quantitative approach. This entails the widespread use of mathematical tools. In a number of areas of science, one can encounter
comparative methods (linguistics, biology, and the like). If we talk about a concept such as
empirical methods, the description is equally necessary for observation and comparison, in order to closely communicate with the experiment. For the greatest completeness of knowledge, it is desirable to intervene in the processes that occur. It can also be done in order to obtain specific information. For a qualitative comparison, the conditions of the course of the study can be created and controlled. This has a positive effect if you need to repeatedly verify the data.
Interaction
When a researcher actively intervenes in the uniform course of the natural process, and also creates artificial conditions, this does not mean that he himself affects the properties of the object, which are then attributed to nature. Examples include light pressure, radioactivity, conditioned reflexes, and the like. All of them are not inventions or inventions of specific people. But at the same time they came to light in extreme situations, the creator of which was the man himself. The procedures for obtaining and describing empirical data may vary, they will create new combinations of interaction, but the properties will remain the same. An interesting point follows from this. The characteristics obtained during the experiment can be simultaneously considered in two ways: from the point of view of human activity and nature. How should this be understood? Here is an analogy: the researcher asks questions, and nature gives answers to them. The cognitive role of experiments is not only that they give people new information, but also in the appearance of new puzzles and problems, which, in turn, require new research.
Description of the facts
This is an important stage for the development of scientific knowledge. The description of the facts is carried out with the aim of their subsequent study and research, as well as the formulation of conclusions. Therefore, this task is more than responsible. And not least because of the fact that the researcher hangs the danger of subjectivity and one-sided consideration of developments. To understand the importance, let's answer these questions: what does it mean to describe a fact and how should this process be carried out? When a researcher describes a fact, it means that he answers the question of what he is, determines the properties inherent in him. Classifying information, make up a certain gradation. Due to a number of features and distinguish between various forms and means of empirical knowledge. At the same time, the researcher is entrusted with the task of sorting out all the nuances and aspects with which he is dealing. This can be prevented by the fact that a person works by himself. Therefore, in order to increase efficiency and obtain a better result, there is an association in research groups. Of course, this does not guarantee that all the facts will be described as well as possible. But at the same time, this indicates an increase in the quality of work and a more effective consideration of the fact being investigated as a whole.
Conclusion
Science is the foundation of human society. An empirical description is a basis that has been used since ancient times and still has not lost its meaning. It is necessary not only for scientists, but can also be useful to all members of society. This might seem an exaggeration, if not for the facts - people of mental work who work and create something new, move progress forward. You don’t have to go far for an example - just remember, for example, programmers, engineers of complex equipment or inventors. Of course, their activities require a large supply of knowledge, but the benefits to society are obvious. Therefore, if there is a desire to make life better, one should not neglect the possibility of learning and growth, in which the empirical method plays an important role.