How do I find an empirical study?
Answer
An empirical study is based on observation.
A published empirical research study appears in peer-reviewed/scholarly journals. It will commonly contain the following elements:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Method (how the research was conducted)
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
At minimum, an empirical study will follow the IMRaD format (Introduction - Method - Results - and - Discussion).
Databases provide ways to find empirical studies, for example:
PsycINFO - under the Methodology limiter, select Empirical Study
ERIC - under the Publication Type limiter, select Numerical/Quantitative Data, Reports-Evaluative, and Reports-Research
Please see Reed Library's relevant video tutorials (use Ctrl-F to search for "empirical" on the page) and see Reed Library's homepage for ways to receive additional research help.