If we think about empirical study in terms of human anatomy, there are 8 parts:
- ABSTRACT: Abstracts are read first by researchers to determine whether the article is relevant to their needs; this should contain a brief summary of the empirical article.
- INTRODUCTION: This short section is normally restricted to 1-4 paragraphs and gives the reason for why the study was conducted.
- LITERATURE REVIEW: The lit review not only identifies research & studies previously done before the author's own research, but also informs the reader about gaps and inconsistencies in the current literature.
- METHODOLOGY: This section explains what steps were taken in conducting the experiment and what data was collected. This is necessary so others in the field can prove the findings by replication.
- RESULTS*: The findings of the study are described here in detail for researchers.
- DISCUSSION*: This is where the authors discuss what the findings mean for research in general, or what might need further exploration or attention.
- *Note that the Results section and Discussion section can be combined in an empirical study.
- CONCLUSION: The conclusion is a brief summary of the study's outcome.
- REFERENCES, TABLES, and APPENDICES: A list of references are required for an empirical study, as they not only enhance the credibility of the authors and their experiment but also give the authors ground for their research and empirical article to stand on.
- Data tables and appendices that contain research artifacts like surveys and questionnaires are optional to have.
