Home - EDP593A - Empirical Studies - Research Guides at West Virginia University

What are Empirical Studies?

Research based studies that rely on observations and experimentation. Look for:

Peer Reviewed
Charts, Graphs, and/or Statistical Analysis
Definition of Population, Behavior, or Phenomena
Description of Study Process
Sections: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Method/Methodology, Results, Discussion, References

Empirical research articles are sometimes difficult to locate in the library's databases. The following tips and resources will help you get started.

Getting Started

Before beginning your search:

Create a Clear Search Statement
Create a List of Search Terms/Keywords
Create a Search Strategy using Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT)

Resources @ WVU

Empirical research articles are available via the following databases. Be sure to select "Peer Reviewed" and to limit your search where appropriate. Additional tips are given for each database to assist you.

APA PsycINFO This link opens in a new window
Click "Advanced Search" and enter your search terms. Scroll down to "Methodology" and select "EMPIRICAL STUDY". Please note the additional subsets.
APA PsycArticles This link opens in a new window
Click "Advanced Search" and enter your search terms. Scroll down to "Methodology" and select "EMPIRICAL STUDY". Please note the additional subsets.
ERIC (EbscoHost) This link opens in a new window
Click "Advanced Search" and enter your search terms. Scroll down to "Journal or Document" and select "Journal Articles". For "Publication Type" select "Information Analyses". Other publication types to try are "Numerical/Quantitative Data" and "Reports - Research".
Education Source This link opens in a new window
Click "Advanced Search" and enter your search terms. Search "study OR methodology OR data..." in the "AB Abstract or Author-Supplied Abstract" field.
Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
Click "Advanced Search" and enter your search terms. Search "study OR methodology OR data..." in the "AB Abstract or Author-Supplied Abstract" field.

Citation Management Tools

As you locate articles, the WVU Libraries encourage you to use a Citation Management Tool. These tools can help you collect, organize, and share references and can help increase productivity. Learn more:

EndNote Basic This link opens in a new window
Use EndNote Web to create a personal database of references to articles, books and other research sources - create an account to begin. You must be on campus or connected to the campus network through VPN to create an account.You must also connect to the campus computer network either in-person or through VPN every 12 months to renew the cookie that authorizes your access to EndNote Web.
Mendeley This link opens in a new window
With Mendeley Reference Manager, you can organize and search your personal library, annotate documents and cite as you write. Create a free account to begin.
Zotero This link opens in a new window
Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources. Plugins for Word and Google Docs help you quickly insert footnotes or in-text citations.

Ask a Librarian

Martha Yancey

Email Me

Contact:

WVU Evansdale Library

Room 103B

Morgantown, WV 26506-6105

304.293.5039

Acknowledgements

This guide was created by Visiting Librarian Chanelle Pickens (chanelle.pickens@mail.wvu.edu).