Independent Study - CD 328 - Hunt - LibGuides at Marshall University

If your search result lists are not providing the results you hope to see, try the following tips.

Try a Google Scholar search.
- Either you'll discover something we have, or discover something you can get via Interlibrary Loan.
Try a modified Google search.
- Add site.edu or site.gov, etc. to the end of your search string to retrieve very specific results.
  - Example: quantitative research on support programs for children with ASD site:.edu
    - This will retrieve results from only websites with a .edu designator

Problem - Too many results

Go directly into a subject-specific database, such as CINHAL, and enter your search terms there instead.
- View our list of databases here: https://libguides.marshall.edu/az/databases

Specify your search terms. For example, instead of searching for the broad subject of 'Substance Use Disorders,' search for a specific substance.
Reduce your search terms. Identify research that is about one of your key concepts rather than two of your key concepts combined. Then, use your own analysis to synthesize and integrate the information as clearly and true-to-scope as possible.
Follow rabbit holes. When you do find the perfect article, review their References/Works Cited List to discover overlapping or connecting research.
- If the database where the article is housed has "Similar" or "Related" works listed, investigate those, as well.

defined by Merriam-Webster as an "adjustment or modification made (as to a strategy) in order to adapt or improve"

Revisit your search terms
- Are they spelled correctly?
- Are they the correct terms?
- Are you using jargon or non-jargon, and is that influencing your results?
Refine your subject knowledge.
- Did you take time to fully understand your topic using credible reference sources? If not, you may be on the wrong track without realizing it.
- View our list of Reference Databases to find background / foundational information: https://libguides.marshall.edu/az/databases?t=11106
Ask for Help: Contact a librarian for a one-on-one appointment: www.marshall.edu/library/ask

Use the abstract of a scholarly article to save time and identify the most relevant information to your research goals.

A Really Great Example of an Abstract
Boukhris, T., Sheehy, O., Mottron, L., & Bérard, A. (2016). Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. JAMA Pediatrics, 170(2), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.3356
Another Really Great Example of an Abstract
Rai, D., Lee, B. K., Dalman, C., Golding, J., Lewis, G., & Magnusson, C. (2013). Parental depression, maternal antidepressant use during pregnancy, and risk of autism spectrum disorders: Population based case-control study. BMJ (Online), 346(7907), 12-12. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f2059
One More Really Great Example of an Abstract
Harrington, R. A., Lee, L., Crum, R. M., Zimmerman, A. W., & Hertz-Picciotto, I. (2014). Prenatal SSRI use and offspring with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay. Pediatrics (Evanston), 133(5), e1241-e1248. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-3406