An empirical research article reports research based on actual observation or experiment. This research may use quantitative or qualitative (or mixed) methods. Empirical research articles are examples of primary research.
You can search for empirical research articles in many databases by including the phrases ("empirical research" OR "empirical study") and limiting the search filter to peer-reviewed articles. You can also include specific types of empirical research in your search such as ("qualitative research" or "quantitative research"). You may also search your topic keywords or subject terms and name a specific method such as ("correlational research" or "correlational analysis" or "case study").
Some databases provide more precise search options. In PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, for example, a limiter for Methodology is included. You can select Empirical Study.
It is a good idea to check the filter options within individual databases when attempting to locate empirical research articles.