BIO 202: The Research Process

Step 1: Gather background information.

Use these resources to gather background information for your topic.  As you read about your topic, take note of:

• the medical terminology used for your condition or disease
• specific populations affected by the condition or disease
• important keywords such as common symptoms, treatments, drugs, etc.

Step 4: Use these resources to search for peer-reviewed, research articles. 

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Step 2: Identify keywords

• Use single words or exact phrases: hypertension; 'thyroid cancer"
• Use quotes around exact phrases: "renal failure"
• Use medical terminology when possible:  "myocardial infarction"
• Identify at least one additional search term: "sleep apnea"

Step 3: Create Search Statements

• Use AND to combine 2 or more keywords that represent different concepts.
  • hypertension AND “sleep apnea”
  • “primary hypertension” AND "sleep obstruction" AND "older adults"
• Create multiple search statements with different keywords
  • hypertension AND “sleep apnea”
  • hypertension AND “sleep obstruction” AND men

More Search Techniques

• Use OR to join 2 or more synonyms or related concept keywords together.
  • hypertension OR "high blood pressure"
  • "sleep apnea" OR "sleep obstruction"
• Use parentheses when using AND/OR together.
  • (hypertension OR "high blood pressure") AND "sleep apnea"

Step 5: Use the database search options and tips to refine and process your results. 

• Use the database filters to narrow down your results list. Not all options may be available in each database, but choose the following when available:
  • Full Text or Open Access
  • Scholarly/Peer Reviewed
  • Research Article
  • Date range (Usually the last 3 years is considered current for medical information)
• Read the abstract or skim the article to determine if it is a research article (even if you have selected research article as a search option).
• Use the database citations (if available), but double check for errors. Use the Citation Guide for help with citations. 
• Email articles to yourself or otherwise save them.