Now that you know how to search a database, you have to figure out what information to use in your research paper.
Your course assignment criteria may specify that you use peer reviewed, or refereed, journal articles.
Using a database to search for articles?
Look for a search screen option to limit your search to scholarly, peer reviewed, or refereed journals.
NOTE: This option is typically at the journal level. This means the research articles will be peer reviewed, but you may still find some sources in your results that are not peer reviewed, like editorials or opinion pieces.
Looking at a specific journal?
Search for the journal title in the UlrichsWeb database and check for the “Refereed” icon.
Abstract: a brief summary of the whole article; main points of the article and findings
Introduction: the purpose of the study and the main question to be answered; what’s already known and what’s to be found out
Body: the “nitty-gritty” details about the study (this is where most students get lost — most times the other sections will give you what you need)
Discussion: an extended summary of findings; was the original thesis or question proved or disproved; anything unexpected that arose
References/Bibliography: previous research the authors used to formulate their study design and research questions; what has already been published on the topic; might point to more resources available on topic
Source: Brandeis University
| Reading order/where the most energy should go | Why | Questions to keep in mind while reading |
|---|---|---|
|
To get the main gist of the article, for a discussion board post or in-class discussions |
How is this article relevant to course content? How will this article be used after I read it? What are some quotes/paraphrases? What's the main argument? Do I agree? |
Source: Brandeis University
| Reading order/where the most energy should go | Why | Question to keep in mind while reading |
|---|---|---|
(may need to read article multiple times) |
To get the main gist of the article, to have some paraphrases ready, to prepare how you will use the article in the essay |
What are big questions I might be asked? Do I only need the main point(s) and results, or do I need very specific details? |
Source: Brandeis University
| Reading order/where the most energy should go | Why | Questions to keep in mind while reading |
|---|---|---|
________________ Once you decide it is a match, read the whole article |
These should be enough to decide if it is a match and a possible source to use _____________ Never reference/cite a paper that you haven't fully read or don't understand. |
What is the author's argument or conclusion? Is it well supported? Is it a good match for my topic? How might this be used in my paper? |
Source: Brandeis University
| Reading order/where the most energy should go | Why | Questions to keep in mind while reading |
|---|---|---|
(may need to read article multiple times) |
To identify research goal, what was proved, how it was proven, the variables, any gaps, future research to use |
What's the author's argument/conclusion? Is it well supported? Is the research question related to my major or discipline? Does this support or raise questions for my research topic or argument? What wasn't studied? Where are the gaps or holes in the research around this topic? |
Source: Brandeis University
There are two general types of research, qualitative and quantitative. All research articles can be classified as having a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (using both methods) methodology.
| Research Type | Word Clues | Methods | Search Terms | Data | Researcher Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative |
|
|
qualitative studies (CINAHL) qualitative research (MEDLINE) |
|
subjective: involved as a participant observer |
| Quantitative |
|
|
quantitative studies (CINAHL) MEDLINE uses headings for specific types of quantitative research; see examples listed under word clues |
|
objective: separate, observes but doesn't participate |
Source: Maricopa Community Colleges
