Research studies are usually either "quantitative" or "qualitative."
Quantitative research: An experiment is conducted from which data are collected and quantified in some fashion, i.e. counted, analyzed numerically (e.g. effectiveness of a policy).
Quantitative Buzzwords: Compare, Assess, Evaluate, Measure, Test
Qualitative research: The data collected is more descriptive of people's beliefs, attitudes, etc. and is gathered through methods such as interviews and focus groups.
Qualitative Buzzwords: Identify, Explore, Describe, Explain
Sample Articles:
D'Amico, A., & Guastaferro, T. (2017). Emotional and meta-emotional intelligence as predictors of adjustment problems in students with specific learning disorders. International Journal of Emotional Education, 9(2), 17-30.
Pisarik, C., & Whelchel, T. (2018). Academic Relevance: College Students' Perspective. International Journal Of Teaching And Learning In Higher Education, 30(1), 26-35.
Selekman, J. (2017). Students With Chronic Conditions: Experiences and Challenges of Regular Education Teachers. Journal Of School Nursing, 33(4), 307-315. doi:10.1177/1059840516674053
McConnell, D. A., Chapman, L., Czajka, C. D., Jones, J. P., Ryker, K. D., & Wiggen, J. (2017). Instructional utility and learning efficacy of common active learning strategies. Journal of Geoscience Education, 65(4), 604-625.
An empirical research article reports research based on observations or experiments. The research may use quantitative research methods, which generate numerical data and might seek to establish causal relationships between two or more variables. Or the research may use qualitative methods, objectively and critically analyzing behaviors, beliefs, feelings, or values--generally without analyzing numerical data.
Articles that discuss original research usually have the following format: