The document outlines six types of scientific methods: observation, measurement, experimentation, theory, speculation, and tradition. It then explains the typical sections of a research paper: introduction, methods, results, and conclusion. Finally, it defines a literature review as a survey or analysis of existing empirical articles in a particular field of study.

1. by Jennifer Paliatka
Assistant Reference Librarian
Elmhurst College
created on 11/01/2004
revised on 08/31/2010

2.  Observation
 Measurement
 Experimentation

3.  Theory
 Speculation
 Tradition
 Explanation

4.  Introduction – where an assertion, idea or thesis is
proposed
 Methods – describes the nuts and bolts of the
experiment
 Results – raw data
 Conclusion/Discussion - discusses the findings of
the experiment and how the research proves or
disproves the initial assertion

6. :20
1 2
50%50%
1. Yes
2. No

7. :20
1 2
50%50%
1. Yes
2. No

8. :20
1 2
50%50%
1. Yes
2. No

9.  A survey, an examination, an analysis of the
existing empirical articles in a particular area of
study
 Not always formatted in same manner
 A great way to find out about current findings,
experiments and ideas in a given field.

11. :20
1 2
50%50%
1. Yes
2. No

12. :30
1 2
50%50%
1. Yes
2. No