empiris

Empiris is an adjective used in Indonesian and Malay to describe knowledge, methods, or evidence that derives from observation, experience, or experimentation rather than from theory or logic alone. It corresponds to the English term empirical and is common in academic and scientific discourse to distinguish data and conclusions grounded in observable phenomena from purely theoretical speculation.

Origin and usage: Empiris stems from a lineage of words related to experience and testing, and in Indonesian usage it is a standard term in scholarly writing. The related noun form empirisme (empiricism) also appears, referring to the broader philosophical approach that knowledge comes primarily from empirical evidence.

In science and research: The empirical approach emphasizes data gathering through observation, measurement, and controlled experiments. Empirical methods require repeatability, verifiability, and critical evaluation by the research community. Findings described as empirical are typically supported by evidence, such as datasets, experimental results, or field observations, and are subject to revision in light of new evidence.

Relation to theory: Empirical work often interacts with theoretical frameworks. Theories can guide what to observe or measure, while empirical results can support, refine, or challenge theories. The balance between empirical evidence and theoretical reasoning is a common thematic distinction in research across disciplines.

Limitations: Empirical knowledge may be influenced by measurement limitations, sampling biases, and contextual factors. It relies on the availability and reliability of observable data, which may change with new methods or technologies.

See also: empirical evidence, empirical research, empiricism, data, methodology.