Kinesiology: Research Articles

Definition of an empirical study: An empirical research article reports the results of a study that uses data derived from actual observation or experimentation. Empirical research articles are examples of primary research.

Parts of a standard empirical research article: (articles will not necessary use the exact terms listed below.)

• Abstract ... A paragraph length description of what the study includes.
• Introduction...Includes a statement of the hypotheses for the research and a review of other research on the topic.
• Method ...A description of how the research was conducted, such as:
           ◊ Who are participants
           ◊  Design of the study
           ◊  What the participants did
           ◊  What measures were used
• Results...Describes the outcomes of the measures of the study.
• Discussion...Contains the interpretations and implications of the study.
• References...Contains citation information on the material cited in the report. (also called bibliography or works cited)

Characteristics of an Empirical Article:

• Empirical articles will include charts, graphs, or statistical analysis.
• Empirical research articles are usually substantial, maybe from 8-30 pages long.
• There is always a bibliography found at the end of the article.

Type of publications that publish empirical studies:

• Empirical research articles are published in scholarly or academic journals
  These journals are also called “peer-reviewed,” or “refereed” publications.
• Examples of such publications include:
         ◊ American Journal of Sociology
         ◊ Sociological Quarterly
         ◊ Sociological Methods and Research

Databases that contain empirical research: (selected list only)

• Academic Search Premier add these words to your search terms:
  method* or research or research design or survey* or data or result*
• PsycINFO limit your searches by Form/Content Type to Empirical Study
• ERIC limit to Pub. Type to Reports - Research/Technical
  Change one dropdown box to Record. This finds REPORTS--RESEARCH.
• Sociological Abstracts 1963 - present.
• Sports Discus Change search limit to Level = Advanced for original scientific research