Find Articles About Theory
If you need to find articles about a theory for your assignment, be aware that most articles will address the application of a theory in a specific setting. Journal articles don't usually define or describe the theory because the researcher/author assumes a basic understanding of the topic. Their goal is generally to report the findings of a study. Check out the eBooks on the first page of this guide if you are looking more for background information. If you need articles that look at the application of nursing theory, then review the search strategies below.
Search Everything
Start your search from the Search Everything box on the library homepage. Here, you can search for either the name of the theory or the name of the theorist. Below are example searches:
- "Goal Attainment Theory"
- King, Imogene
This should get you started on your search. Below are some other places that you can look for additional information. CINAHL is another a great place to research nursing theory because it is the largest nursing and allied health database you have access to.
CINAHL Subject Headings
- Database - CINAHL with Full TextCINAHL with Full Text is the world’s largest database of nursing and allied health journals covering topics on nursing, biomedicine, alternative/complementary medicine, consumer health, and 17 allied health disciplines.
- Select the database link above.
- Select CINAHL Subject Headings in the top navigation menu, as shown in the image below.
- In the search box, enter nursing models, theoretical, as shown in the image below.
- From the list of subject headings, select the link for Nursing Models, Theoretical, as shown in the image below.
- Place a check mark in the checkbox on the left-hand side of the theory you are looking for. The image below shows Benner's Professional Advancement Model as selected.
- Place a check mark in the checkbox under Major Concept on the right-hand side of the theory.
- Select Search Database to get articles related to the particular theory that you selected, as shown in the image below.
Tip! You can also use the CINAHL Subject Headings to search directly for the name of the theorist or the name of the theory using the same techniques. Put the name of theorist or theory in the CINAHL Subject Headings search box and select the result that fits what you are looking for.
PubMed
Another place that you might want to consider looking is in PubMed. You can either use the general search, or you can do a search in the MeSH database using similar techniques as you use to search in CINAHL. There are help guides on the MeSH homepage for assistance in learning to use that search system.