Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief.
How do you know if a study is empirical? Read the subheadings within the article, book, or report and look for a description of the research "methodology." Ask yourself: Could I recreate this study and test these results?
Key characteristics to look for:
Another hint: some scholarly journals use a specific layout, called the "IMRaD" format (Introduction – Method – Results – and – Discussion), to communicate empirical research findings. Such articles typically have 4 components:
*Information obtained from the LAHC Research Libguide
These databases may not have a simple method to locate empirical research. One technique is to search for "evidence-based practice" items:
Another alternative is to use terminology recommended by the Headings list. Some useful keywords are:
*Information obtained from LAHC's Research LibGuide
Empirical research is published in books and in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals.
Make sure to select the peer-review box within each database!
ERIC (a database provided by EBSCO) does not have a simple method to locate empirical research. Using "empirical" as a keyword will find some studies, but miss others. One technique is to search for "Research Reports":
An alternative is to use terminology recommended by the ERIC thesaurus. Some useful keywords are:
*Information obtained from LAHC's Research LibGuide