History

Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief.

Key characteristics to look for:

• Statement about the methodology being used
• Research questions to be answered
• Definition of the group or phenomena being studied
• Process used to study this group or phenomena, including any
• controls or instruments such as tests or surveys
• Ask yourself: Could I recreate this study and test these results?
• Read the abstract of the article for a description of the methodology
   

How do I find empirical research on my topic?
Empirical research is published in books and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. The Library has several databases you can use to locate peer-reviewed articles from scholarly journals.

Some databases allow you to limit your search by methodology. Or, try adding the keywords “empirical research” or just “empirical.”

Databases for empirical research:

Proquest

• Add the keyword term empirical to your search

PsycINFO (Psychology)

• Limit to empirical study under Methodology
   

Sociological Abstracts (Sociology)

• Add the descriptor term Empirical Methods to your search
• Choose “descriptor DE” from drop-down menu
   

ERIC (Education)

• Add the keyword term empirical to your search
• Choose “keyword KW” from drop-down menu

OTDBASE

OTSeeker

• Use the connecter OR and add empirical

Adapted from Empirical Research Tutorial from Mississippi State University