Skip to Main Content

Research Tips & Techniques Guide

Strategies to increase efficiency in research
 Let the database do the work: quality over quantity 
There are two search interfaces in most databases: 
  • Basic Search 

  • Advanced Search                                                                             

Always use Advanced Search, when available to:
  • combine keyword concepts with the connectors AND, OR, NOT 

  • manage your results through use of the search, field and results limiters

Sample topic
1.  Find articles on nursing leadership in the hospital setting
Break the topic into searchable keywords and phrases​:
  • nursing leadership
  • hospitals
  • hospital setting
2. Apply:

 

  • truncation  *
  • proximity quotes  "   "
 

​Using Truncation

  • when there is a common root prefix increase results with truncation:
  •   child* = child, childish, children, childless, childlessness

  • saves time on repetitive searches.  

Using Proximity Quotes
  • to keep the words together and increase relevant results                                                     

  • Eg. "United States"    "Climate Change"

3. Put keywords into advanced search boxes.                                                                                                                                
"nurs* leadership"
AND hospitals
4. Apply other Field or Search limiters as desired and then  hit Enter  
  • After searching, apply Results Limiters
  •  See Using Limiters page for more ideas
 
Find 
Program Resources
Research Aids
Services

A-Z List of Databases

Business Plans & Case Studies

DNP Project Digital Repository

Encyclopedias & Dictionaries

Faculty Resources

How to Access Other Libraries

Library Homepage  

News & Current Events

Reference Service Policy

RefWorks

Video Tutorials

Black History & Culture

Clinical Practice Guidelines

DNP Research Support

Evidence Based Practice

History of Nursing 

Literature Reviews

MBA Healthcare

Nursing Classification

Nursing Programs

Nursing Theory

PICOT Tips

 

APA Help

ChatGPT & OpenAI

Copyright & Fair Use

COVID-19 Resources

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources

ESL Resources

Evaluating Online Sources

Legal Resources for Healthcare

Research Tips & Techniques

Research Tools & Instruments 

Statistics & Data Sets

Student Success in Online Learning

Understanding Scholarly Research

 

Code of Conduct

Financial Literacy

Helpdesk

Post University Blog

Sentinel U Support

Student Center

Student Services

Writing Center