Definition of an empirical study: An empirical research article reports the results of a study that uses data derived from actual observation or experimentation. Empirical research articles are examples of primary research.

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

• Abstract ... A paragraph length description of what the study includes.
• Introduction...Includes a 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...Describes the outcomes of the measures of the study.
• Discussion...Contains the interpretations and implications of the study.
• References...Contains citation information on the material cited in the report. (also called bibliography or works cited)

Characteristics of an Empirical Article:

• Empirical articles will include charts, graphs, or statistical analysis.
• Empirical research articles are usually substantial, maybe from 8-30 pages long.
• There is always a bibliography found at the end of the article.

Type of publications that publish empirical studies:

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

Finding / identifying  empirical studies:

• Look in the title or abstract for words like study, research, measure, subjects, data, effects, survey, or statistical which might indicate empirical research. Other suggested terms:
  • Action research
  • Evaluation research
  • Field study
  • Mixed method
  • Participant observation

Borrowed from:: California State University Fullerton, Pollak Library, Sociology Research Guide: https://libraryguides.fullerton.edu/c.php?g=189661&p=1257021