Characteristics of Research

Type

Description

Pure

Abstract, concerned with generating new theory and gaining new knowledge for knowledge’s sake.

Experimental

Manipulation of one variable to see its effect on another variable while controlling for as many other variables as possible.  Subjects randomly assigned to groups.

Clinical

Performed in the clinical setting where control over variables may be difficult.

Applied

Designed to answer a practical question, to help people do their jobs better.

Descriptive

Describing a group, situation or individual to gain knowledge that may be applied to other situations.

Laboratory

Performed in laboratory surroundings that are tightly controlled

Characteristics of Articles

Type

Description

Research/Empirical

Article reporting on the results of one or more studies or experiments, written by the person(s) who conducted the research. This is considered one type of primary source. Look in the title or abstract for words like study, research, measure, subjects, data, effects, survey, clinical trial, or statistical which might indicate empirical research.

Case Study

Detailed account of clinically important cases of common and rare conditions.

Review

Summarizes the findings of others studies or experiments; attempts to identify trends or draw broader conclusions. Scholarly, but not a primary source or research article, however its references to other articles will include primary sources or research articles.  Look for words like systematic review, literature review, review article, etc.

Letters or Communications

Short descriptions of important latest study or research findings which are usually considered urgent for immediate publication. Examples: breakthroughs regarding cures or treatments for previously incurable conditions, or cure for a particular outbreak of disease, like for example swine flu.

Theoretical

Containing or referring to a set of abstract principles related to a specific field of knowledge; characteristically it does not contain original empirical research or present experimental data, although it is scholarly.

Applied

Describes technique, work flow, management or human resources issue.

Professional communications, Book reviews, Letters to the Editor

Most scholarly journals publish articles that pertain to the workings of the profession but are not 'scholarly' in nature.