How do I decide if a resource will be useful for my research?
Follow these steps for a particular article you have found.
1. Look at the title and scan the abstract. Do you see keywords that match yours? Also, take a look at your research questions. Are the authors studying or discussing something related to your topic?
- Yes. Proceed to the next step.
- No. Go back to the results list and select another article.
2. Take a look at the introduction and headings. Do they look like they relate to your topic? Also consider the following:
Is there a particular population (e.g. adolescents, gardeners, dairy cows, etc.) that they authors are discussing?
Does that population align with your research?
- Yes. Proceed to the next step.
- No. Go back to the results list and select another article.
3. Is there a particular location (e.g. the United States, elementary schools, hospitals, etc.) that they authors are discussing? Does that location align with your research?
- Yes. Proceed to the next step.
- No. Go back to the results list and select another article.
4. Do you need articles that are scholarly or popular (or both)?
- Both. If you need both types and you have both types, proceed to the next step.
- Only scholarly or only popular articles are needed. Go back and determine if what you selected meets your research needs.
5. Do you need information that has been published within a certain time period and/or that looks at the topic over time?
Check the publication date. Does it fit your parameters?
- Yes. Proceed to the next step.
- No. Go back to the results list and select another article.
6. If the article you are considering meets the criteria above, add it to your reading list and continue gathering research until you have what you need to successfully complete your assignment.
Learn More
Complete this tutorial: Should I Rethink My Search? to help you consider what you can do if your search is not going the way that you hoped.
