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:
Another hint: some scholarly journals use a specific layout, to communicate empirical research findings. Such articles typically have 4 components:
Content: Includes citations to millions of biomedical journal articles, as well as some books, book chapters, and reports.
Purpose: An essential database for biomedical and health topics
Special Features: Includes MeSH search functionality
Turning Evidence Into Practice (TRIP) is an EBP search engine. Trip allows users to quickly and easily find high-quality research evidence to support their practice and/or care. Users can search using PICO question format, and results are broken down by level of evidence. Sources include Cochrane, National Guideline Clearinghouse, PubMed, and more. Links may take you to publisher's pages with a payment option - Please submit a request through InterLibrary Loan for free for those articles!