Empirical Analysis
Analysis that does not rely entirely on theory, but is instead based on the examination of evidence drawn from the real world.
(Ben Eisen, MPP Graduate 2009)
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Leslie Pal describes the value of empirical analysis when he writes: "empirical analysis takes logical analysis one step further: not what might be the likely effect of policy X, but what was its actual effect?"
References
Pal. Leslie. 2006. Beyond Policy Analysis: Public Issue Management in Turbulent Times, 3rd ed. Toronto: Nelson Education.