CINAHL and Medline can be searched simultaneously. Start in CINAHL and click on the name of the database above the search entry boxes to select multiple databases. Then apply the Peer Review filter.

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More Databases:

Full text access and other research tips:

• Use the "Core Nursing" limiter in CINAHL to zero in on peer-reviewed articles in the Nursing literature. Apply this limiter by selecting it from the "Journal Subset" drop-down on the Advanced Search screen.
  • 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? Check the "EBSCO Full Text" limiter to eliminate results that are not immediately available in full text.
• Too many search words can eliminate useful results! Try using just one or two words relevant to your topic. It's okay if the result list is large - results are ranked by relevance. Once you apply your limiters, the best articles will rise to the top.
• Using Google Scholar? These step-by-step instructions show you how to locate full text (either free online, or free to you through CSU).

Off campus?

Many electronic resources (research databases, e-books, etc.) are limited to CSU students, faculty, and staff when accessed off campus. You may be prompted to authenticate by entering your CampusNet ID and password. 

Questions? Here are some tips for resolving common connection problems.

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.

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. 

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