LibGuides: Psychology: Parts of an Article

Parts of a Scientific Article (primary source and empirical)

What Information is in Each Section of the Article?
Abstract: provides a summary of the article.
Introduction: includes background information and a description of the author's purpose.
Materials & Methods: details about how the study was performed with enough detail so that other scientists could repeat the study.
Results: includes new observations, data and findings, and figures.
Discussion: a description of what the findings mean and their implications; addresses potential criticisms.

Empirical Articles Reports of original research, usually results of lab experiments. Contains the following: Introduction Materials & Methods Results Discussion Key phrases include: "we tested" "in our study, we measured..."	Literature Review Articles Critical evaluations of material already published. Does the following: Defines or clarifies a problem Summarizes previous investigations Identifies problems or gaps in knowledge Suggests the next steps No physical (lab) research done.

Empirical Articles

Reports of original research, usually results of lab experiments.

Contains the following:

Key phrases include:

Literature Review Articles

Critical evaluations of material already published.

Does the following:

No physical (lab) research done.