Education: Finding Empirical Research

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:

• Specific research questions to be answered
• Definition of the population, behavior, or phenomena being studied
• Description of the process used to study this population or phenomena, including selection criteria, controls, and testing instruments (such as surveys)

Another hint: some scholarly journals use a specific layout, called the "IMRaD" format, to communicate empirical research findings. Such articles typically have 4 components:

• Introduction: sometimes called "literature review" -- what is currently known about the topic -- usually includes a theoretical framework and/or discussion of previous studies
• Methodology: sometimes called "research design" -- how to recreate the study -- usually describes the population, research process, and analytical tools
• Results: sometimes called "findings" -- what was learned through the study -- usually appears as statistical data or as substantial quotations from research participants
• Discussion: sometimes called "conclusion" or "implications" -- why the study is important -- usually describes how the research results influence professional practices or future studies

Credit: Penn State Library Guides

Empirical research is published in books and in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. However, most library databases do not offer straightforward ways to locate empirical research. Below are tips for some of Trexler's most popular Education and Behavioral/Social Sciences databases.

PsychINFO

• Use the "Advanced Search"
• Type your keywords into the search boxes
• Scroll down the page to "Methodology," and choose "Empirical Study"
• Choose other limits, such as publication date, if needed
• Click on the "Search" button

ERIC 

ERIC does not have a simple method to locate empirical research. Using "empirical" as a keyword will find some studies, but miss others. One technique is to search for "Research Reports":

• Use the "Advanced Search"
• Type your keywords into the search boxes
• Scroll down the page to " Publication Type," and choose "Reports: Research"
• Choose other limits, such as publication date, if needed
• Click on the "Search" button

An alternative technique is to use terminology recommended by the ERIC thesaurus. Some useful keywords are

• Action Research
• Case Studies
• Content Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Ethnography
• Evaluation Methods
• Evaluation Research
• Experiments
• Focus Groups
• Field Studies
• Interviews
• Longitudinal Studies
• Mail Surveys
• Mixed Methods Research
• Naturalistic Observation
• Online Surveys
• Participant Observation
• Participatory Research
• Qualitative Research
• Questionnaires
• Research
• Statistical Analysis
• Statistical Studies
• Statistical Surveys
• Telephone Surveys
• Use Studies