How to Research: A Tutorial

Summary

For a summary of the key points of using databases, click the questions below.

• Why should I use a database?
  

  To find current articles about your topic that will often provide more scholarly and reliable information than articles you find on the Internet.

• What will I find in a database?
  

  You may find articles that give you a general overview of a topic. You may also find newspaper, magazine, and scholarly journal articles.

• How do I search for articles in a database?
  

  In the search boxes provided, type keywords that explain the information you are looking for. Use more than 1 keyword to get more specific results. You can also use Subject terms to narrow your results to articles that are about a specific subject.

• How do I cite articles from a database in my Works Cited?
  

  Look for the words "Cite" or "Citation," especially when printing or emailing the article. You can also use the "Help" screen to find information about how to cite an article from that database.

• What is a scholarly journal article?
  

  Scholarly journal articles are well-researched articles written by experts in a field and published in an academic or peer-reviewed journal. Look for the author’s credentials, a list of references, and language that is professional and intended for scholars or researchers to determine if an article is scholarly. Also, find out if the periodical the article is published in is an "Academic" or "Peer-reviewed" journal.