Q. How do I find experimental research studies?

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines an experiment as “A test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, to examine the validity of a hypothesis, or to determine the efficacy of something previously untried.”
 

Here are some search tips that will help you locate experimental research articles in the library's databases:

• You can include keywords in your search statement. For example:
  • motor learning AND experiment
  • teaching methods AND controlled experiment
  • fibromyalgia AND experimental study
  • fibromyalgia AND evidence based study
     
• Some databases let you search by methodology. You'll typically find this option on the advanced search screen.

Here are a few examples:

• Applied Science & Technology Source: Under Document Type, select Science Experiment.
• PsycARTICLES: Under Methodology, you'll find a number of experimental study types listed.
• PubMed: Search for specific publication types, like different kinds of trials.

If you are interested in learning more about experimental methods, visit the SAGE Research Methods tool. Try searching for:

• experiment
• experimental groups
• control group
• randomised control trials
• randomized control
   

See also:

• What's the difference between a research article (or research study) and a review article?