Research can be overwhelming when you start, but with effective search techniques and careful planning, you can find the most relevant content for your needs.
Before you begin searching, working through all the other stages within this module is helpful.
Remember, research is a trial-and-error process, so it will take a couple of searches to find what you're looking for. You may also have to adapt your topic along the way.
When you begin researching in a database, the process can seem overwhelming. However, mastering a few key strategies will help you find relevant, credible sources quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin searching, make sure you have:
Once you have completed these steps, you can start by entering your keywords into your chosen research tool.
When your search results appear, review the titles, subjects and abstracts of the results. If an article seems promising, skim through the introduction and conclusion to see if it aligns with your research needs.
However, in many cases, you will not find what you need on the first search. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to adjust your keywords, use different combinations of Boolean operators, or add filters. Initial searching in a database is a critical step in the research process, but remember, effective research is an iterative process—don’t be afraid to refine and adjust your strategy as needed. Please click on the menu options below for more information about adapting your search.
Please take a look at the searches below to see different examples of initial searches in CINAHL that will need to be adjusted to find better results.
Take a look at the information about research logs or move onto the adapting your search page.
