An empirical article reports the findings of a study conducted by the authors and uses data gathered from an experiment or observation. An empirical study is verifiable and "based on facts, systematic observation, or experiment, rather than theory or general philosophical principle" (APA Databases Methodology Field Values). The study may utilize quantitative research methods to produce numerical data and seek to find a causal relationship between two or more variables. Or the study may use qualitative research methods, which involves collecting non-numerical data to analyze concepts, opinions, or experiences.
Key parts of an empirical article
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