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.
- The face of the empirical study; just by looking at it, we can tell a lot about it without reading the entire study.
- INTRODUCTION: This short section is normally restricted to 1-4 paragraphs and gives the reason for why the study was conducted.
- As a person would introduce themselves via conversation, the introduction gives us additional information about the study so we learn more about it.
- 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.
- The heart of the study; this should answer why the author(s) are performing this research.
- 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.
- Think of this in terms of lungs or a stomach; the study needs this section to sustain itself & stay alive!
- RESULTS*: The findings of the study are described here in detail for researchers.
- The reproductive organs can be thought of as the results; just as an empirical study can leave a legacy behind for its corresponding field of research, human beings leave a legacy behind by having children and raising the next generation.
- DISCUSSION*: This is where the authors discuss what the findings mean for research in general, or what might need further exploration or attention.
- The legs of our study; the empirical study cannot stand up on its own unless there is a deeper understanding of the ramifications of the experiment.
- *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.
- Since this is the last section of our study, we will be referring to it as the study's feet.
- 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.
- If there's nothing to support our human being, then they fall down!
- Data tables and appendices that contain research artifacts like surveys and questionnaires are optional to have.
