Objectives

• Identify characteristics of a scholarly article
• Differentiate between a popular article, a scholarly article, a journal, and a database.

Your professor has asked you to use scholarly journal articles for your research, but what does that mean?

Scholarly journal articles, especially scientific articles, are peer-reviewed (refereed) by experts in the field to ensure the article's quality before publication in a respected journal. The articles are written by experts and researchers, using technical language and research methodology.

(If you want to know more about this, ask your expert professors about their experience with publishing scholarly articles in your next class!)

Want to see some of your Professors in action?

Click on the name to see a list of some of your professor's scholarly works.
Choose an article to open and locate the components that would make it a scholarly journal to practice.

• Dr. David Bybee
• Dr. Mark Cannon
• Dr. Spencer Ingley
• Dr. Georgi Lukov
• Dr. Espirit Saucier

Now let's be clear on the difference between articles, journals, and databases

Watch the video below to see the differences. (Stop watching at 2:16 minutes)

How about the difference between a scholarly article and popular article?

Let's recap with an activity!

Sources

• https://libguides.lehman.edu/ld.php?content_id=13476085 
• https://guides.library.harvard.edu/SLS19/Scholarly
• https://libguides.byuh.edu/c.php?g=292055&p=1945311

Getting to Know the Library's Resources

The best place to begin your search is at the library's home page found at library.byuh.edu.
There will be number markers that explain what these resources do.

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Using the Library's Main Search Box

Use the Main Search Box

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The fastest way to find an article is to search multiple databases at once using the main search box at the library's homepage found at Library Homepage.

Narrow your Search

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You can narrow your search to only scholarly articles by clicking on the Peer Reviewed box.

View your Article

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From your results, click on the link to read the abstracts and decide which article/s will be useful in your research. You may need to sign in with your school ID to view the article.

To read the articles, click on Access Options and you will see the available reading options for the article. Just click which source you want to read the article from and then follow the instructions found in the link in order to read the article. Some links may lead you directly to the database where the article is located.

Request an Interlibrary Loan

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If article is not available, you may request an interlibrary loan. Click on this link in order to go to the interlibrary loan page: https://illiad.lib.byu.edu/illiad/HWI/Logon.html

Summary

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What are Research Guides?

The Research Guides offered by the library are a collection of information and services to help with your research needs. These guides are categorized by class and subject-specific resources.

Introduction

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The Research Guides offer a wealth of information for your research needs. Follow this tutorial to learn more about this resource!

Go to Joseph F. Smith Library's Homepage

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To get to the library's homepage, type the URL library.byuh.edu in any web browser. Click on the Research Guides button.

Select a Research Guide

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Scroll through the alphabetical list of classes, subjects, and topics to select a guide that relates to your topic.

Review the Resources Provided

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Review the resources found on this page. Here you will find a list of databases to find articles, eBooks, videos and other documents. The lists of databases are divided into 4 categories.

1. Articles General: These databases search articles in all types of disciplines.
2. Topic Specific Resources: These databases include articles or sources in a specific discipline.
3. eBooks General: Search these databases to find online books on different topics and subjects.
4. Videos General: Use these media databases to search for videos on different topics.

Summary

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Research Guides to Get You Started

You can find topic specific resources for your research assignments such as databases, books/eBooks, and videos. Check the examples below.

Biochemistry, Chemistry, & Physical Science
Take Me There
Exercise and Sports Science
Take Me There
Psychology

Take Me There

Business

Take Me There

Basic Research Tutorials
Take Me There
MORE at Research Guide Home

Take Me There

In this section, you will learn more about the popular databases used in your department. These include PubMed, SciFinder, PsychInfo and more.

If you are familiar with these databases, you can easily access them by clicking on the database box on the library's homepage.

Searching on PubMed

You can access PubMed here:
PubMed Central

Searching on SciFinder

You can access SciFinder here:
SciFinder-n

Searching on ProQuest

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ProQuest is another database that provides access to thousands of full-text articles covering many subjects and topics found in scholarly journals and other professional publications. To access ProQuest, click on the button under the search button on the Joseph F. Smith Library homepage or click the button below.
ProQuest One Academic

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Searching PsyncINFO (Ebsco)

PsycINFO is a Psychology database focusing on behavioral and social science research. Related disciplines are also included such as neuroscience, nursing, law, education, business, and more.

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Go to the library homepage at Homepage and click on the database button. From there, type PsycINFO or select the "P" in the alphabetical listing and choose PsycINFO Ebsco from the list.

Click on the tutorial below for in-depth basic searching assistance.

More Popular Databases

Here are a few more databases where students can find good resources.
Academic Search Complete (Ebsco)
JSTOR - Journals and Books
Science Direct

Taylor & Francis Online
SpringerLink

Wiley Online Library
Google Scholar

Are you in a different department? (i.e., Psychology, History, English, or Business)

Check out the RESEARCH GUIDES below!

Go to the Research Guides - Look for your department from the list or search by subject.

Research Guides

How to start?

There are many search strategies that you can use to find sources for your research.

In this tutorial, we will focus on using keyword searches.

Steps for Using Keyword Search

One of these strategies is knowing how to search the databases. Whether you're looking for books or scholarly articles, this process can both be overwhelming and frustrating. With enough practice though, you can gain the skills needed to create quality searches.

Strategy 1: IDENTIFY YOUR TOPIC

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Break down your topic so only the important ideas/terms are used to create your search. One important aspect is to start with a research question.

For example:
Research Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using generic drugs?

Strategy 2: BRAINSTORM KEYWORDS AND CREATE SEARCH STRINGS

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Once you have your research question, start brainstorming keywords about your topic and forming search strings.

For example:
Research Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using generic drugs?
Keywords: advantages, disadvantage, generic drugs, brand name drugs

STRATEGY 3: USE SYNONYMS

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Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings. Some articles may have topics that use different terms, therefore when creating search strings also use the synonyms of the keywords.

Let's look at our original question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using generic drugs?

Synonyms for advantages could be: pros, benefits, influence, preference, favored position

Synonyms of disadvantages could be: cons, risks, limitations, impediments, drawbacks

Synonyms or phrases for drugs could be: pharmaceutical drugs, brand name drugs

STRATEGY 4: SPELL OUT ABBREVIATED WORDS

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Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or lengthy phrases. For example, Rx is a common abbreviation for medical prescriptions, or ACL referring to your anterior cruciate ligament in your knees. When doing keyword searches it's best to use the complete word instead of the abbreviations.

Keyword Search Summary

Keyword Strategies
1.) Identify your topic
2.) Brainstorm keywords and create search strings
3.) Use synonyms or similar ideas
4.) Spell out abbreviated words

Let's Practice!

Let's recap

Let's recap by watching the video below on how to use and refine keywords when searching for library resources. It also introduces the next lesson discussing advanced search tips such as truncation, wildcards, and Boolean operators.

Sources

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/keyword/search-strategy

Objectives

• Determine what the Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) are and apply in their search
• Determine the difference between truncation and wildcard searching

Tips and Tricks

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At this point, you should already have a topic in mind and have learned how to identify keywords and keyword phrases. Now, you're ready to add more to your search terms by using some very useful tips and tricks to get the best quality search possible.

Below is a video explaining how to use Google Scholar in order to find journal articles. We also have a Google Scholar search engine that contains BYUH resources:
Google Scholar

TIP #1 USE BOOLEAN OPERATORS (AND, OR, NOT)

Since there is so much information in the databases, search algorithms are used to parse through this information. Using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) will help you get the best search results. Boolean operators can either narrow or broaden your search results. Examples of how they are used are explained below.

Boolean Operators

AND

OR

NOT

NESTING

AND OR NOT NESTING

Using the AND operator

Use AND to combine two or more keywords together. The result will include both keywords. When using AND, your search results are narrowed. Check the example below:

"photosynthesis AND chlorophyll " find all articles that have both terms and only those terms

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Using the OR operator

Use OR to include any of two or more keywords together. This tells the database to include either or both of the keywords in the results. This is used with related concepts or synonymous terms. By using OR, you are expanding your search results. For example:

"shark OR Selachmorpha" will find all journal articles that have either term

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Using the NOT operator

Use NOT when you don't want certain terms or keywords in your search. Excluding certain terms will limit your results to only terms you want and remove irrelevant items. By using NOT, you are narrowing your results. For example:

"Cell structure NOT plant" will result in journal articles talking about cell structure but not including the term plant

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How to do nesting?

You can combine many of the Boolean operators in your search. However, it is important to keep your search organized. Use parenthesis to keep your search terms organized and clear — this is called nesting. Some examples are:

(cat OR feline) AND (domestic NOT wild)
genetic mutation AND (evolution OR natural selection)

TIP #2 USE TRUNCATION

TIP #3 USE "QUOTATION MARKS"

When you need to search for a specific phrase or concept that includes two or more words, use quotations marks around those words. Using quotation marks will ensure that your words will stay in the exact order. For example, if your topic is climate change and you type in climate change without quotation marks your search results will include the words climate, change, climate change, etc. Some results may not be relevant to your topic. Using quotation marks around "climate change" will retrieve results with both words together in the exact order. See the image below for an example.

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References

Database Search Tips - ED 808 Academic Research and Publishing - Research by Subject at San Diego State University (sdsu.edu)

Use a Boolean! | Information Literacy (lumenlearning.com)

Objectives

• Identify the difference between backward and forward searching
• Demonstrate an understanding of how backward and forward searching contribute to a literature review

Look both ways!

What is Backward Searching?

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One of the best ways of finding appropriate articles for your research is looking at the sources of your favorite article. This process of looking back to the references is called backward searching or citation searching.

When examining the references of a scholarly article, you can benefit by:

• learning about the origins of the research
• understanding the theories and ideas that guided the author
• identifying experts in the field that share similar research to the author and to your topic

Process for Backward Searching

1. Find an article you like.
2. Go to the reference section of your article (this is usually at the end of the article).
3. From the list, find the source that interests you and copy the citation.
4. Go to the Library Homepage or Google Scholar and start a search for that source.

What is Forward Searching?

Forward searching has many benefits:

• it can give you information if there are follow-up studies to the original topic
• identify new findings or new research methods
• see if the author has new studies related to the original topic

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Forward searching or citation searching involves tracking an article and determining its value with other authors after it has been published. For example, if you found a great article, you may want to see if other people have also cited that same article. You can find the number of times that the original article has been cited through database searches. You may be surprised that some of those articles may have information that you need in your research.

The result of a web of science search term of "plastic pollution" is shown below. The result of a web of science search term of "plastic pollution" is shown below. 

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Journal Impact

Journal impact helps determine the validity of the journal by measuring the average citation of the articles over the last few years. The higher the number, the more impact it has on the field of study.

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Citations

The number of times this article has been cited. This number is clickable and will show a list of all the articles that used this article.

Times Cited in All Databases

This number shows where this article was listed in and which database.

Cited References

This number shows the number of cited references within the article. This is the articles references or work cited page.

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You may also like...

These are the articles that has a similar topic with the article you are currently viewing.

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Most Recently Cited by

This link shows the most recently cited by link.

Let's Practice!

Determine if it's backward or forward searching from the statements below. Flip the cards over for the answers.

Sources

https://libguides.kpu.ca/crim/1208/goelman

https://guides.emich.edu/ld.php?content_id=38716686

How do I find the full-text if I only have a partial or full citation?

STEP 1: Start with the citation information you have available

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Gather all the citation information you have available for a particular source. Hopefully it is a complete citation, for example a scholarly article will include author(s), article title, journal title, volume, issue, data, and page numbers.

If you only have a partial citation, use what you do have to run a quick Google or Google Scholar search to see if you can find more information.

STEP 2: Try the citation in Google Scholar

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Once you have your citation information, enter it into Google Scholar. If our library has access to the article, you will see a link to it on the right of the screen where it says, "Find at BYU-Hawaii". In this case the database that contains the article we are looking for in Science Direct.

STEP 3: USING GOOGLE SCHOLAR OFF-CAMPUS

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If you are using the internet off campus, be sure to use the link found under the Databases tab from the library homepage to choose Google Scholar there. That contains the proxied link that works off campus. It should have you login.

Below is the link to the Google Scholar search engine that you can use off-campus.

Google Scholar

STEP 4: What if Google Scholar isn't linking to my article

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If you try Google Scholar with your citation and the article is not linked, you can't find it, or you are asked to pay for access, your next step will be a quick treasure hunt starting from the Journal List box. To find the Journal List, go to the library homepage and select Resources on the top left menu.

STEP 5: Do a search by journal title

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In the Journal Title page, enter in the complete journal title from the citation. If the citation only included the abbreviated title, search Google for the complete journal title to enter. In this citation to the right, take a second to find the title of the journal.

If you found it to be Journal of Physical Activity & Health, you got it. After entering that title, we have 3 results. Choose the one that matches and click the link.

STEP 6: Check the date range

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After clicking on the journal title, you will see through which database we have access (in this case EBSCOhost SPORTDiscuss with Full Text) and what date range is available (from 2004). That means, anything in that journal from 2004 until the year before the current year should be available full text here.

STEP 7: Locating the volume and issue

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Here you will need to look at the citation information again. From the information we have, we can see the date is 2015 and the volume is 12 but we do not have the issue number or month. In this case, we will click through and use the page numbers to find the correct one or use the Search within this publication option in the top left and search by title.

STEP 8: Locating your article

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When the page shows up listing everything from your specific issue that you have chosen, scroll down until you find the article you are looking for. Click on the title to see the detailed information about the article. Check out the abstract and if it looks good then go ahead and open the full text. Well done!

Summary

Pretty amazing stuff, right? So much access to full text!

But once in a while, if your title does not show up with access linked through Google Scholar or our Journal List on the library website, you can assume we do not have access to this journal. In this case, don't panic, we can still get it to you for free. You will have to use Interlibrary Loan to request it. More on how to do that in the next lesson. Stay tuned.

Request books, articles and more!

Interlibrary Loan provides access to materials not available at the Joseph F. Smith Library through a network of other libraries. Interlibrary Loan is for use by the students, staff and faculty of BYU-Hawaii.

Where can I access it and how does it work?

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1. Go to the library.byuh.edu.
2. Click on Services on the top left menu.
3. Select the Interlibrary Loan icon.
4. Follow the instructions provided (below).

Introduction

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Click on Create an Account if you don't already have one and follow the instructions. If you've already created an account, enter your login information.

Step 1: Start your request

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Once logged in, you will have the option to request a book, an article or other item. In this example, we will choose an article.

Step 2: Fill out the citation information

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Next you will use the citation information you have available to fill out the form. The fields that have an * next them are required. Once everything is entered, click Submit Request.

Step 3: Status of your request

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You can always check the status of your request by logging back into your account. Look at the IN PROCESS section and click View to see the details.

Step 4: Available for use

When your article is available for use, you will get an email from ill@byuh.edu. Login to your account and click on AVAILABLE FOR USE to download your article or read it online. It will stay in your account for 30 days.

Step 5: Requesting a book

If you requested a book, you will get an email when it is ready for you to use. Go to the Circulation Desk to pick up the book. You will need your BYUH ID. Return the book to the Circulation Desk when you are finished using them.

What is a Citation?

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A citation shows you how to give credit to the information and sources you use in your research. Your professor and others interested in your research will want to know where you found the information so they can easily find the information too.

A General Citation includes:

• Author/s and/or editor name
• Title of article or chapter in a book
• Title of journal or book
• Volume and issue numbers (ex. journal articles)
• Pages (Page range)
• Year of publication
• Place of publication and publisher (books and book chapters)

Citation Styles in the Sciences

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Citation styles in the sciences are different from other academic fields who follow a specific citation format (i.e., APA, MLA). It's important to always check with your teacher for the guidelines required for your assignment. It is also easier to format your citations and bibliography by using a reference manager instead of by hand.

In this section, you'll be shown how to format citations in the text of your paper and in the reference section (bibliography) of your paper.

The AMA Style

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Developed by the American Medical Association to help with writing medical research.

Citations for Online Journals

To add an in-text in your paper, add a sequential superscript number as shown below in the example:

Diabetes in white adolescents may become prevalent due to the obesity epidemic currently occurring in England. ¹

Citation for Print Journals

To add an in-text citation in your paper, add a superscript number as shown below in the example:

The researchers explain through case studies the different types of cancer, their causes, symptoms, and treatment. ³

Citation for Websites

Popular Journal Citation Styles

Here is a list of journals that are popular in the field of science and their links to the citation style.

Getting organized

There are several online builder programs you can use to easily organize, manage, and format your sources (books, articles, website, etc.) for building your bibliography. Here's a few to help you get started.

Reference Builders

Mendeley
"Brings research to life"

Mendeley is another online free reference manager that is also an academic social network. Mendeley offers you many online opportunities pertaining to your online research needs:

• Automatically generate bibliographies
• Collaborate easily with other researchers online
• Easily import papers from other research software
• Find relevant papers based on what you're reading
• Access your library (papers) from anywhere online

HELPFUL LINKS

ZOTERO
"Your personal research assistant"

Zotero is a free online citation manager— built into your web browsers that is easy to use tool to collect, organize, cite, and share research information. Zotero imports citations from databases and sites on the web and helps with formatting bibliographies and references using various citation styles.

HELPFUL LINKS

OTHER REFERENCE MANAGERS
Commerical Reference Managers