Q. How do I find articles that report empirical research?

1. Check the article database you are using to see if it allows you to limit your search to empirical research. For example:

APA PsycInfo
Change search limits to METHODOLOGY = Empirical-Study

ERIC
Change search limits to PUBLICATION TYPE = Reports - Research

ABI/INFORM
Limit CLASSIFICATION CODE (drop-down box) = 9130 (Experiment/theoretical)

CINAHL
Change search limits to PUBLICATION TYPE = Research
 

2. Using any full-text article database, combine your search terms with words commonly used in research articles. Any combination of these words may be placed in a search box or search line, separated by the word OR.

• Common words include study, research, empirical, methods, methodology, research design, survey, data, and results
   

3. Search for peer reviewed articles. Note that every article in a peer reviewed journal does NOT report empirical research, but many do.

4. For more information, please check out the "Finding Empirical Research" page on the Reference Library Guide.