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Empirical research is published in books and in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. PsycInfo offers straightforward ways to identify empirical research, unlike most other databases.
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, to communicate empirical research findings. Such articles typically have 4 components:
Adapted from PennState University Libraries, Empirical Research in the Social Sciences and Education