"Empirical research is research that is based on observation and measurement of phenomena, as directly experienced by the researcher. The data thus gathered may be compared against a theory or hypothesis, but the results are still based on real life experience. The data gathered is all primary data, although secondary data from a literature review may form the theoretical background."
Source: Emerald Publishing
Empirical research articles often follow an IMRaD format, including:
In the ERIC database, under Advanced Search and Document Type select reports - research.
