TYPES OF EMPIRICAL DATA

This research work analyzes the types of empirical data, which serve as the foundation of scientific inquiry, along with their classification and the specific characteristics inherent to each type. Empirical data are facts obtained through direct observation of reality and experimentation; this study substantiates the distinctions between their qualitative and quantitative forms. The research provides a comparative study of the scientific reliability of subjective data (questionnaires, interviews, self-observation) and objective data (physiological measurements, test results, behavioral analysis). Furthermore, it highlights the role of measurement levels—such as nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales—in shaping an empirical framework. The article clarifies the extent to which criteria such as representativeness, validity, and reliability of empirical data are essential for drawing scientific conclusions. The findings of this study serve as a theoretical resource for researchers in psychology, sociology, and other social sciences in selecting the appropriate empirical methodology