Which concept helps define empirical questions?

Empirical questions are fundamentally grounded in observable and measurable phenomena, which makes them answerable based on real-world experiences. This means that empirical questions seek to investigate situations, behaviors, or outcomes that can be examined through systematic observation and experimentation. In this context, the focus is on collecting data through various methods, such as surveys, experiments, or field observations, allowing researchers to draw meaningful conclusions about the questions posed.

The other options do not adequately capture the essence of empirical questions. While theoretical frameworks can provide context and guidance, they do not define how a question can be empirically validated. Similarly, although statistical analysis can be a tool utilized within the research process, not all empirical questions require statistics; some may simply involve descriptive observations. Lastly, relying solely on literature reviews pertains to synthesizing existing knowledge rather than generating new empirical evidence, which is vital for answering empirical questions. Thus, the emphasis on real-world experience directly underlines the nature of empirical inquiry.