Choose Your Topic
If given the choice of picking your own topic for an assignment, a great way to start is picking something you are interested in. It is much easier to research something you want to learn about!
Even if you cannot pick your exact topic, a good way to start the research process is to read and understand your assignment. By knowing exactly what is expected, this will also make the research process easier. If you do not fully understand your assignment, please reach out to your professor for clarification.
Understand the Types of Research
An important step in research is understanding different types of sources and how to find them. Typically, your assignment will state if you need a particular type of research (e.g. systematic review).
Our Finding Types of Research guide gives definitions, search strategies, and examples of many types of research.
Choose Your Keywords
Once you've made sure you understand your assignment and you've decided on a research topic, it's time to select your keywords. Certain words from your research statement may not be relevant to the search, as demonstrated in the example below. You should pick the most important elements from your topic to be used as keywords.
Example:
Doesexercisereduce BMIinoverweight youth?
| Examples of Synonyms | |
|---|---|
| exercise | overweight youth |
| "physical activity" | obesity |
| movement | "childhood obesity" |
Check Your Knowledge
Where to Start Your Search
Search Everything
Luckily, here at the Chamberlain Library, we have one search box that will search across most of our databases! We call it the Search Everything box, and you can find it at the top of the library homepage. We recommend starting your research here because it will give you the widest variety of results in one spot.
The following databases are not included in the Search Everything box and will not appear in the results list: Anatomy.TV, Credo Reference, Cochrane Library, Dynamed, Micromedex, Natural Medicines, and Trip Pro.
Databases A-Z
Using the Search Everything box on the library homepage is recommended because it searches many databases at one time. However, there are times when an assignment requires you to use a specific database.
The library offers some specialized databases that cover specific types of information. These include:
- Database - Anatomy.TVAnatomy.TV is the most accurate and detailed 3D anatomy resource available.
- Database - Cochrane LibraryThe Cochrane Library is a collection of databases including Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- Database - Credo ReferenceCredo Reference is an information skills solutions provider that serves libraries worldwide. We build platforms and instructional materials that enable the flexible configuration of content, technology and services for the purpose of connecting learners, faculty and teachers, librarians and publishers.
- Database - DynaMedDynaMed is the clinical reference tool that clinicians go to for answers. Look to DynaMed for the most current, evidence-based information available.
- Database - MicromedexLeading provider of information on medication and patient education for use in the clinical settings.
- Database - Natural MedicinesProvides evidence-based information on herbals, supplements and other natural or complementary therapies, i.e Yoga, Qi Gong, etc. All of the information is evidence-based, and the evidence is easily graded to determine the effectiveness.
- Database - TRIP Pro DatabaseTripPro is a clinical search engine designed to allow users to quickly and easily find and use high-quality research evidence to support their practice and/or care. Users can also search across other content types including images, videos, patient information leaflets, educational courses and news.
To find our entire list of databases, along with their description, please visit our Databases A-Z list.
For quick tutorials on how to navigate our most frequently used databases, visit our FAQ How do I use Popular Library Databases?