CVTD430: Capstone I: Get Started

This course guide has been created in support of the written case study assignment for CVTD430: Senior Capstone I. You will find help with each step of the process of finding peer-reviewed articles about your topic. If you need help at any point, don't hesitate to contact your librarian!

Brainstorm Search Terms

Once you've identified a topic, the first step in the research process is to develop a list of search terms to use in databases. Gathering background information from textbooks and credible websites can help you develop search terms or identify angles of your topic to explore. This page includes some suggested resources for background information. As you explore these resources, keep a list of important terms and concepts to use when you move on to searching in databases.

Suggested Website

MedlinePlus is a consumer health resource that searches authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has patient education materials, extensive information about drugs and an illustrated medical encyclopedia.

MedlinePlus is a credible online source, but it is not a scholarly source. It is intended to be used by the general public, rather than an audience of fellow experts in the field. It is still useful for your project because you can search for your topic on the site to find resources and information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and other key concepts and terms. This information will help you search library databases more effectively for scholarly articles.