Search Based Questions Essay
Undoubtedly, incorporating insights from literature into a research question is a profound strategy for enhancing knowledge, informing discussion about the topic, and including reputable and credible information about the topic or critical question. I have learned various aspects of effective approaches for beginning and implementing literature searches throughout this course. Some of these aspects include planning the search, executing the search, and screening and appraising the selected sources.
Planning for Literature Search
Undoubtedly, searching for literary works that support the topic of concern is the basic process for incorporating external evidence into the evidence-based discussion. During this stage, it is essential to understand the topic, set a timeframe for literature review, and plan for ideal databases, including websites that publish information related to the topic of inquiry. When using the critical question identified in the week 7 discussion (How do we keep dementia patients safe?), I planned for the literature search by deciding the scope of the review, identifying relevant websites and databases, and breaking down the question into flexible search subtitles and keywords.
Executing the Search
After planning for literature search, the implementation phase enables the researchers to leverage search strategies to locate and select ideal evidence sources that add value to the topic. At this stage, I have made progressive steps because Walden University Library provides resources such as peer-reviewed articles, books, datasets, videos, magazines, and dissertations. When selecting ideal evidence sources, I consider their publication dates, peer-reviewed (for journal articles), and consistency with the research topic.
Screening and Appraising Evidence
After selecting evidence sources, I conduct the CRAAP test (currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose) to screen and appraise evidence sources. Before familiarizing myself with this model, I faced challenges understanding thresholds for incorporating literature into research topics. The CRAAP test enables me to select evidence sources that are current/up-to-date, relevant to the topic, authoritative (from reputable authors and databases), accurate, and purposeful in answering or informing my research topic. For instance, I used this model to identify, select, and appraise scholarly journals for the week 7 discussion about ensuring safety for patients with dementia.
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
Issues of Concerns and Questions Regarding the Search Process
Although I have progressed well in planning, executing, screening, and appraising literature, I encounter various issues that compromise the process. For instance, conducting a literature search for a specific research question or topic is time-consuming because of the prevailing need for navigating the three processes. Also, there is a likelihood of encountering relevant evidence sources of different structures, prompting researchers to familiarize themselves with diverse research methods and study designs to assess the credibility of evidence sources. Another concern when conducting a literature search is inconsistently using different keywords and subtopics to locate scholarly journals published in internet-based databases. Often, inconsistencies between keywords, subheadings, and search results increase the likelihood of missing ideal evidence sources.
Finally, there are incidences where I encounter scholarly articles published in fee-based e-journals that require researchers to subscribe for accessibility. Although I often consider free databases when selecting evidence sources, there is the likelihood of missing credible journals due to the subscription requirements. Therefore, these concerns lead to the following questions regarding the search process:
- What are effective approaches to save time during the literature search process?
- What strategies can effectively eliminate inconsistencies in keywords, subheadings, and search results while reducing the likelihood of missing credible sources?
- Is it advisable to ignore fee-based e-journals in favor of free scholarly articles?
Discussion 8 Instructions:
The Discussion this week invites you to check in with colleagues and your Instructor on your experience as you begin your Module 4 Assignment to conduct a literature search in the Walden Library. This Discussion is a particularly good example of how colleagues can support one another in tandem as common work gets underway.
Photo Credit: steheap / Adobe Stock
Note what you are discovering about search strategies that could be of benefit to colleagues, and prepare to consider their recommendations as well. Be sure that you begin your search of scholarly literature in the Walden Library promptly this week, to be prepared to post by Day 3. References and citations are not required for this Discussion.
To prepare:
- Review the Week 8 Learning Resources, with particular attention to the Walden Library resources to support your literature search.
- Evaluate your process as you access the resource materials and your literature search gets underway. Keep in mind the importance of selecting current literature, i.e., published in the previous 5 years. Consider what is working for you in identifying search topics related to your critical question and in finding relevant current articles, and what questions you have for colleagues and your Instructor.
- Also draw on your Week 7 Discussion experience in identifying scholarly articles related to your critical question and comments from colleagues to act on as you begin your literature search. Be proactive in stating your questions and needs and clarifying your search process, to maximize the value of this Discussion and your Assignment in this module.
- In addition to your Discussion post, you may also contact the Instructor directly by email with specific questions or needs related to your literature search. Follow the guidelines in the Course Syllabus for contacting the Instructor.
With these thoughts in mind …
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post a summary of your experience in beginning your literature search and assess your initial progress. Explain what is working for you in terms of a plan or search strategy for finding relevant, current literature, including Walden Library support resources you would recommend. Explain issues of concern and specific questions regarding the search process. References and citations are not required.
Post a summary of your experience in beginning your literature search and assess your initial progress. Explain what is working for you in terms of a plan or search strategy for finding relevant, current literature, including Walden Library support resources you would recommend. Explain issues of concern and specific questions regarding the search process. References and citations are not required.
I will attach additional instructions.