When to Use Journals

As you approach your research question, you will first want to determine which types of sources to consult. Remember consulting textbooks (both in print and electronic formats), journal literature, information from the Internet and experts are all viable options.

Journal literature is most appropriate for:

• Multifaceted questions
  • Example: Is a Caesarian Section delivery more effective than vaginal delivery in preventing mother-to-infant transmission of Hepatitis C?
  • PubMed Sample Search Strategy
• Behavioral/psychosocial questions
  • Example: Are Asian American women participating in community-based breast cancer screenings?
  • PubMed Sample Search Strategy
• Questions that ask about the impact of one thing on another
  • What are the effects of low carbohydrate diets on cardiovascular risk?
  • PubMed Sample Search Strategy

Note: Searching the journal literature can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Please consider contacting a librarian for research assistance if you are not finding useful results.