Empirical research refers to a way of gaining knowledge using direct or indirect observation or experience. Therefore an empirical research article will report research based on observations, experiments, surveys, or other data collected. Empirical research can be either qualitative and quantitative in nature.
Empirical research, especially for psychology, will most likely be published in academic/scholarly journals. Fortunately, as a Murray State University student, you have access to a variety of scholarly databases, such as PsychINFO and Academic Search Complete. When looking for empirical research articles, look to see if the author specifically references data, surveys, assessments, or any other methods for observations/experiments. Typically they will include the survey instrument and any graphical representations of data.
Example from: Burton CZ, Ryan KA, Kamali M, et al. Psychosis in bipolar disorder: Does it represent a more “severe” illness?. Bipolar Disord. 2018;20:18–26. https://doi.org/10.1111/bdi.12527
Empirical articles will usually contain the following sections (headers might differ slightly): Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References.
Finding Empirical Research Articles Using PsychINFO
PsycINFO, one of the most useful databases for psychology research, makes it quite simple to find empirical research.
First, log-in to the database, and find the "Select a Field" box.
Next, select "Methodology" from the dropdown menu.
After selecting the methodology filter for the search box, type in "Empirical Study." This will limit all results to articles classified as such.
Below is an example of what your search may look like, combining the methodology filter with a search term.
Empirical research articles will also be identified as such on the item record page.
Finding Empirical Research Articles when there is no Methodology Filter in the Database
PsycINFO is unique in the fact the empirical study label is included in an item's metadata. Most databases, such as Academic Search Complete or SocINDEX do not have this feature. In other databases, you may try using terms such as "study" as a keyword in an unfiltered search box. There may be some trial-and-error involved, but below are a list of suggested terms you can add to your search to find empirical research articles:
Example search query: social media AND teenagers AND studies
