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Empirical Research: Defining, Identifying, & Finding

What is empirical research, how do you recognize it, and how can you improve your searches to find it?

Empirical Research: Defining, Identifying, & Finding

Introduction

Sometimes you may be asked to find and use empirical research. If you aren't sure what is and is not empirical research, this might seem scary. We are here to help. 

Note: while this guide is designed to help you understand and find empirical research, you should always default to your instructor's definition if they provide one and direct any specific questions about whether a source fits that definition to your instructor. 

Guide Overview

In this guide, you will learn:

  • The definition and characteristics of empirical research.
  • How to identify the characteristics of empirical research quickly when reading an article.
  • Ways to search more quickly for empirical research. 

Image Attribution

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