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EDUC925: Qualitative Methods: Search Tips

This guide provides an overview of search tips for finding articles.

Research Tips

Translate your research topic into search terms.

1. Make a list of keywords/synonyms for each concept in your research topic. This step is crucial; if relevant terms are missing from a search strategy, you may miss finding key articles. As you begin to read abstracts and articles, start writing down terminology that is used in the article. For any concept, there are probably many ways to describe it.

  • retention OR attrition OR dropout OR persistence
  • incivility OR bullying OR violence OR verbal abuse
  • burnout OR stress OR fatigue OR job satisfaction
  • rotating shift OR shiftwork OR shift work OR shift workers

2. Controlled Vocabulary/Subject Terms

Are there controlled vocabulary terms for your topic? Many databases utilize a controlled vocabulary to index journal article citations. For example, the following table shows some possible terms that are related to designing curriculum for nursing students about geriatrics . The table includes terms for 2 main concepts: curriculum and geriatrics.

Where are these terms found? Look in the database record or click on the link within the database to search/view the entire list. The links names are listed in the table below.

Database

Controlled Vocabulary Terms

Controlled Vocabulary Terms

Database Link

Academic Search Elite

Aging; Old age; Gerontology; Older people; Older patients

Curriculum planning; Curricula (Courses of study); Curriculum enrichment

Subject Terms

CINAHL Complete

Aging; Aged; Geriatrics;

Curriculum development; Course Content; Teaching Methods

CINAHL Subject Headings

Education Research Complete

Geriatrics education; Gerontology; Aging

Curriculum planning; Teaching Methods

Thesaurus

ERIC

Older adults; Aging (Individuals);

Curriculum Design; Curriculum Development; Educational Strategies

Thesaurus

Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection

Aging; Older people; Elder care; Population aging; Geriatrics; Gerontology

Curriculum planning; Teaching Methods

Subjects

PubMed

Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Frail Elderly

Curriculum; Teaching

MeSH Database

 

3. Think broadly about your topic. This review article is about improving student outcomes in higher education.  Is there a recent review article (e.g. literature review, systematic review) related to your topic? 

4. Review bibliographies of articles you have located for additional sources.

5. Cited reference search: Who has cited your "perfect" article? Use Scopus or Google Scholar to find this information.

Note: There may be a large difference in "Cited by" numbers. This has to do with "quality control" in Scopus. In Google Scholar, the "Cited by" numbers will include items such as book chapters, dissertations/theses, conference papers, etc.