Psychology Subject Guide

What is an Empirical Study?

An empirical study is one that is based on "observation, investigation, or experiment rather than on abstract reasoning, theoretical analysis, or speculation." Empirical studies should be divided into the following parts: abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Typically these studies also include tables, figures, and charts to display collected data.

Example: Westervelt, H. J., Bruce, J. M., & Faust, M. A. (2016). Distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies using cognitive and olfactory measures. Neuropsychology, 30(3), 304-311. doi:10.1037/neu0000230

Why should I use a Methodology Limiter?

Subject-specific databases like PsycINFO have powerful search tools to help you find the results you need more quickly and easily. 

What is included in the Methodology Limiter:

PsycINFO's Methodology Limiter allows you to limit your search results to specific values. Find everything from Empirical Studies to Meta Analyses. EBSCO maintains a list of PsycINFO's methodology limiters and their definitions. 

How do I use the Methodology Limiter?

• Search for your topic.
• Using the left-hand menu for limiters, click on Methodology.
• Select the methodology you wish to use. Note: if you want to select more than one, click the "Show More" button to pull up all the methodologies and use the checkboxes to select the ones you wish to limit to.

In this video, you’ll learn how use APA PsycInfo’s methodology limiter to find journal articles that use a specific methodology or study design.