Research Guides: Neuroscience Resources: About Empirical &amp; Scholarly Articles

How to Find Scholarly and Peer Reviewed Articles

Most databases offer an option to limit your search to scholarly or peer-reviewed articles. While this option can be helpful, be aware that databases can sometimes be inconsistent in what they identify as scholarly or peer-reviewed. Ultimately, you need to to determine whether or not an article is appropriate for your needs. Below are some strategies for identifying a peer-reviewed article. If you are ever in doubt, reach out to your professor or a Mount librarian for a consultation.

Features of Scholarly or Peer-Reviewed Articles

The articles are substantial (not just 2 or 3 pages)
The author(s) are named, along with their affiliations (such as university or research institute)
The journals in which they appear contain little or no advertising, glossy pictures or other decorative graphics. Illustrations are usually limited to charts and graphs.
The articles are broken down into common sections:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
The articles include a list of references.
- Pro tip: if you find one useful scholarly article, the references will lead you to other potentially useful resources.
The articles are written at a level assuming a certain level of prior knowledge. Scholarly articles are written for an audience of scholars, practitioners or students in the discipline.

Is it peer-reviewed?

If you find an article in a library database, often the database will identify the journal as being peer-reviewed or refereed.
Search for the journal title in MLA Directory of Publications, which identifies important aspects of journals
Check the journal's front or back pages, or its website, for evidence of a peer-review process. This information is often found under information for authors, submission guidelines or editorial policies.

(Thanks to the McIntyre Library Staff at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)

What is an Empirical Study?

An empirical study is based on observed and measured phenomena and relies on real-world evidence and experience, rather than theory or speculation. In an empirical study, researchers collect data through direct or indirect observation and then analyze that data to answer a specific research question.

This type of research can be quantitative or qualitative.

Quantitative Research involves collecting numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically, such as survey ratings, lab equipment readings, or other discrete measurements.

Qualitative Research involves collecting descriptive non-numerical data, to explore beliefs, experiences, or attitudes. Common methods include interviews, direct observations, or open ended survey responses.

Finding Empirical Studies

Empirical studies are commonly found in peer-reviewed or refereed journals. This means a panel of subject experts has evaluated the quality and validity of the research before publication. Many library databases allow you to filter your search using filters or terms such as:

Academic
Peer reviewed
Refereed
Scholarly

Heads Up: Not all peer-reviewed articles are empirical studies. You still need to examine the article itself. Look for these indicators:

Methods section: Describes how the data was collected. Were direct measurements made using tools such as questionnaires, lab equipment, coding schemas, or specialized computer software?
Original Data: Ensure that the data in the study was collected by the authors themselves, and is not part of a metanalysis.
Results section: Presents the data obtained from the study. Look for tables, charts, or statistical analysis that help you understand the data.