Abstract: This paper,based on a systematic analysis of the history of empirical research, its meaning and constructs, discusses the leading role empirical researchplays in the process of pedagogy towards scientific pedagogy. Meanwhile, for the first time, the paper points out that empirical research is above all a spirit,and that it's a research rule, a system of methods, and an integration of the three. Then the paper analyzes the universal applicability of empirical research in both natural sciences and social sciences like education science, while stressing the importance of quantitative research in empirical research, and clarifying some misunderstanding of empirical research in educational research field. In discussing the paradigm of educational research, this paper explores the future development of pedagogy. It is mainly written for the researchers, but it has challenged the educational research policy, the evaluation of educational achievement standards, and the quality of educational journals and educational researchers.

Key words: empirical research, pedagogy, scientific, quantitative