Which of the following exemplifies the empirical method

Subject : Social Studies

Question: Which of the following exemplifies the empirical method?

A) A student in a psychology class writes his term paper on whether or not fish feel pain.

B) A student writes a letter to his professor requesting a change in course policy.

C) Dr. Hysock-Witham decides to start her course later because so many students arrive late.

D) Dr. Sarkeesian observes and records how watching cartoons influences heart rates.

Expert Verified Solution:

The correct answer is:

D) Dr. Sarkeesian observes and records how watching cartoons influences heart rates.

Explanation:

The empirical method involves collecting data through direct observation or experimentation to answer research questions or test hypotheses.

Dr. Sarkeesian’s approach of observing and recording how watching cartoons influences heart rates directly involves gathering data through observation and measurement. This process exemplifies the empirical method because it relies on observable, measurable evidence to conclude.

Option A involves writing a term paper based on a theoretical question, which may not involve direct empirical research.

Option B is about writing a letter, which does not involve empirical data collection.

Option C involves a decision based on a practical consideration, but it does not explicitly mention collecting empirical data.