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CSD 431: Survey of Communication Sciences & Disorders

This guide contains resources to help you with your research assignments.

Essential Databases

Click the name of the database above the search entry boxes in one of the databases listed below to select multiple databases. Then limit to Peer Reviewed.
  • If full text is not available, follow the link to "Request via Interlibrary Loan." Complete the form and submit. The article will be emailed to you, usually within 24-48 hours. 
  • Last minute rush? Apply "EBSCO Full Text" filter to narrow results to full text available via CSU only. 
More databases:

Using Google Scholar? These step-by-step instructions show you how to locate full text (either free online, or free to you through CSU).

Search Tips

Productive and effective searching:

  • Start with one or two keywords (too many keywords can eliminate useful results) 
    • Add terms with AND to narrow results (aphasia AND learning)
    • If needed, combine synonyms with OR to include related terms (stuttering OR stammering OR dysfluency)
  • Review results to brainstorm additional or alternate keyword options
  • Try multiple searches with different keywords and explore more than one database
  • Apply limiters thoughtfully
    • After seeing how productive your keywords are, limit by date range and English language
    • Other limiters to try:
      • Peer Reviewed (articles must be approved by other scholars before publication)
      • Other database-specific limit options (age range, type of study, etc.)

Primary Sources

A primary research article reports on a study conducted by the authors. This type of article:
  • Asks a research question or states a hypothesis
  • Identifies a research population
  • Describes a specific research method
  • Tests or measures something
  • Includes a section called "method" or "methodology." 
  • Includes a section called "results."

Words to look for as clues include: analysis, study, investigation, examination, experiment, numbers of people or objects analyzed, control group, or survey.

To contrast, the following are NOT primary research articles (they are secondary sources):
  • Literature reviews*
  • Meta-Analyses/Review articles* (arrive at conclusions based on research from many other studies)
  • Editorials
  • Letters
  • Chapters in books
  • Encyclopedia articles
  • Speeches and interviews

* Literature reviews and meta-analyses also describe the authors' research method/methodology, focusing on their database search strategy and development of criteria for including or excluding individual study results. These articles are still secondary sources because they synthesize the findings of multiple research studies; the authors are not the primary researchers.

Using AI Tools

Before using Generative AI tools for research or other coursework, consider the following: 
  • Is the AI tool silencing your voice or impeding your learning? Avoid using AI for tasks or writings that have been assigned to assess your knowledge or understanding.
  • Does your professor allow AI for this assignment? Check your syllabus and make sure you understand your instructor's guidance regarding AI use. 
  • Is the information correct? Verify AI output content for accuracy. Many tools generate hallucinations, or false information that seems plausible. 

Writing Center

Writing Center Services

Located in the Library Learning Commons