PSYC 210 Adult Psychopathology (Main)

An empirical (research) article is a type of scholarly article that reports on the methods and findings of an original research study that was conducted by the authors of the article.  

An empirical study is verifiable and "based on facts, systematic observation, or experiment, rather than theory or general philosophical principle" (APA Databases Methodology Field Values).  

The study may utilize quantitative research methods to produce numerical data and seek to find a causal relationship between two or more variables. Or the study may use qualitative research methods, which involves collecting non-numerical data to analyze concepts, opinions, or experiences.
 

Major parts of an empirical article:

• Abstract - Provides a brief overview of the research.
• Introduction - Summarizes previous research on the topic and states the hypothesis. 
• Methods - Describes how the research was conducted and identifies the design of the study, the participants, and any measurements that were taken during the study.
• Results - Explains the outcome of the study. 
• Discussion - Addresses the researchers' interpretations of their study and any future implications from their findings.
• References - Lists works that were cited in the study.

In PsycINFO, use the Methodology filters in the left column of the search results page to limit your results by empirical study.

You can also add terms to your search query that might describe an empirical study.

Your query might be:  self-esteem AND study AND results

• empirical study
• study
• data
• experiment
• results 
• analysis
• method 
• findings 
• participants
• interviews
• survey
• observation

Content adapted from PSYC 4820: Positive Psychology research guide authored by Amanda McLeod.