Challenges and Strategies in Finding Scholarly Articles for My Capstone Project

As I delve into the research phase of my Capstone project on [insert your Capstone project topic here], I’ve encountered both challenges and successes in identifying relevant scholarly articles. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:

Challenges:

• Overabundance of Articles: Initial broad keyword searches yielded a vast number of articles. Sifting through this volume to find high-quality, relevant sources was time-consuming.
• Specificity vs. Scope: Refining my keywords to be more specific resulted in fewer articles, potentially limiting the scope of my research. Striking a balance between focused keywords and capturing a broader range of relevant studies proved tricky.
• Paywall Restrictions: Several promising articles were hidden behind paywalls of academic journals not accessible through Walden University Library.

Strategies:

• Walden University Library Resources: The Walden University Library has been a valuable asset. Utilizing the library’s search engine with the “peer-reviewed” filter ensured I found credible academic sources.
• Database Selection: I explored various databases within the library, focusing on those specific to nursing and healthcare to find targeted articles.
• Keyword Refinement: I adopted a two-pronged approach to keywords. First, I conducted broad searches using general terms to gain a foundational understanding of the topic. Then, I narrowed down my search with more specific keywords related to my specific research question.
• Snowballing Technique: Once I found a relevant article, I reviewed its references section to identify additional scholarly sources on the topic.
• Interlibrary Loan: For articles restricted by paywalls, I submitted interlibrary loan requests through the Walden University Library to access the full text.

Tips and Advice for Others:

• Start Early: Don’t underestimate the time it takes to find relevant scholarly articles. Begin your research early to allow ample time for searching and refining your strategies.
• Develop Strong Search Skills: Invest time in learning effective search techniques, including Boolean operators and phrase searching. The Walden University Library offers tutorials and workshops to enhance your search skills.
• Utilize Librarians: The Walden University librarians are a fantastic resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for assistance with crafting search strategies or locating specific articles.
• Be Persistent: Finding the perfect scholarly articles can be a challenge. Persistence and a willingness to refine your search terms are key to success.

Conclusion:

The Capstone project research process requires a strong foundation of relevant scholarly articles. By acknowledging the challenges and adopting resourceful strategies, I’m confident in locating high-quality sources to support my research. Remember, the Walden University Library and its librarians are there to support you every step of the way.