This document provides an overview of the purpose and process of empirical research, the standard format of research articles, and how to evaluate and critique research. It discusses the role of empirical research in answering questions about behavior through the scientific method. The standard sections of a research article are introduced as the abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references. Guidelines are provided for evaluating each of these sections of a research article, including evaluating the literature review, research questions/hypotheses, methodology, results, and discussion/conclusions. Criteria like clarity, rationale, contribution to knowledge, and consistency are discussed for properly evaluating different aspects of a research study.