Is epidemiology research considered empirical? Are they the same?
Empirical research is research that derives its data by means of direct observation or experiment, such research is used to answer a question or test a hypothesis (e.g. “Does something such as a type of medical treatment work?”). The results are based upon actual evidence as opposed to theory or conjecture, as such they can be replicated in follow-up studies. Empirical research articles are published in peer-reviewed journals. Most epidemiological research (that is, research related to the factors and behaviors which influence the health of a population of something [people, dolphins, etc]) is based on empirical methodology. The opposite of empirical research would be considered dogma. Dogma is defined as something that is generally believed to be true, and is not to be doubted, disputed or diverged from. A great example of empirical research vs dogmatic believe would be the heresy trial of Galieo Galilei for supporting Coppernicus’ theory that the Earth and all the planets revolved ar
