Monday, July 11, 2016

Lit Review: Finding Articles

If you are a regular reader, you know that I suggest starting with chapter 2, the literature review. How do you start? How do you do library searches and not be overwhelmed with distantly related articles? The first step is doing the outline of your chapter 2, including the information required by the checklist and your variables. Then you are ready to begin the library search. Pick a variable and let's get started!

You may want to start your search in the psychology databases, however, be sure you check related ones too (e.g., Thoreau, Sage, CINAHL, Medline, ERIC). Let's start with getting some general background on your topic, let's say you are interested in "resilience" in older adults, begin with a search resilience, review, older adults (you will also need to try elderly and aging). This search will bring up literature reviews on the topic. There are 3 that look to fit your interests. Read those. They will have references that relate to your specific interests- look those up. Also, take note of the keywords lists with each of your articles, they may offer suggestions that you had not considered.

When you find mention of theories, make a note of authors related to them. Look up those authors, you may find additional information on your topic.

It is very important that you are keeping a research journal as you search. You need to keep track of your search terms and databases used- as these will be included in chapter 2. You should also keep notes as you go, perhaps marking articles that you want to be sure to check carefully. 

Next time we will discuss how to start writing chapter 2.  Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

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