Definition:

• An empirical article is a research article that reports the results of a study that uses data derived from actual observation or experimentation.

Parts of a standard empirical research article:
        Note: Empirical research articles will not necessary use the exact terms listed below.

• Abstract ... A paragraph length description of what the study includes

• Introduction...Statement of the hypotheses for the research and a review of other research on the topic.

• Method ...A description of how the research was conducted, such as:
           ◊ Who are participants
           ◊  Design of the study
           ◊  What the participants did
           ◊  What measures were used

• Results...The results section describes the outcomes of the measures of the study.

• Discussion...The discussion section contains the interpretations and implications of the study.

• References...A references, or bibliography, will contain citation information on the material cited in the report.

Characteristics of a Empirical Article

• Empirical articles will include charts, graphs, or statistical analysis.

• Empirical research articles are usually substantial, are likely to be from 8-40 pages long.

• There is always a bibliography found at the end of the article.
   

Type of Publications

• Empirical research articles are published in scholarly or academic journals
  These journal are also called “peer-reviewed,” or “refereed” publications.

• Examples of such publications include:
         ◊ American Journal of Sociology,
         ◊ Sociological Quarterly,
         ◊ Sociological Methods and Research.

Databases that contain empirical research: (selected list only)

• Academic Search Premier
  to your search terms try adding method* or research or research design or survey* or data or result*

• PsycINFO  
  limit your searches by Form/Content Type to Empirical Study

• ERIC limit to Pub. Type to Reports - Research/Technical
  Change one dropdown box to Record Type=143. This finds REPORTS--RESEARCH.

• Sociological Abstracts 1963 - present.

• Sports Discus
  Change search limit to Level = Advanced for original scientific research

 

Prepared by Cynthia Bruns, Reference Librarian, CBruns@fullerton.edu An administrative page of the Paulina June & George Pollak Library at California State University, Fullerton. (c) 2007 California State University, Fullerton. All rights reserved. Date this site was last updated: 02/09/09