Breadcrumb Links:

Searching for journal articles on a topic

Using journal databases in the best way of searching for journal articles on a topic.  A journal database usually indexes thousands of journals, and is the best means of checking what has been published on a topic.

CQUniversity Library subscribes to (pays to access) a wide range of databases.  These are available online, via the Library website.  To find out more about using databases, please see the sections below:

Choosing journal databases

Databases differ in both their focus and in the amount of information they provide:

  • some databases cover a wide range of subject areas, whilst others have a more specific focus (e.g. nursing, engineering, psychology)
  • different types of databases provide access to different types, and amounts, of information

Your choice of database may be influenced by:

  • suggestions in the course profile/assessment task about appropriate databases to use
  • the type of information you need to find
  • the range of databases available for your topic area
  • suggestions from other sources, e.g. LibGuides

Accessing journal databases

Databases are listed alphabetically by both title and subject on the Library's Databases page: 

  • If you're not sure which database to search, use the drop-down arrow beside 'Select your subject' and click on the relevant subject area. A list of databases relating to that area will be retrieved for you. 

  • You may be asked for your username and password before accessing a database.  This is generally your student number and e-rolment password.

    After username and password details are entered, most databases go straight to the search screen. Some are set up a little differently (such as Informit and CSA) and ask you to choose a specific database from the list provided before taking you to a search screen.

Searching journal databases

Each database operates a little differently. Use the advice provided by the database in its Search Tips or Help pages. The link to Search Tips or Help is generally located near the search boxes or in the top right corner of the screen.

Search hints:

  • The Advanced search screen usually has better search options so if a database opens to a Simple or Basic search, select the Advanced search option. 
     
  • Experiment with a range of search strategies.  You will usually need to try several searches before you can judge which keywords, and combinations of keywords, find the best articles for your topic.

Example search for: Discuss the benefits of using humour to reduce stress.

You could search the Academic Search Complete database with the keywords and search strategy below:

  example search in Academic Search Complete

Note: The question mark icon takes you to the help pages which will include advice on how to search for variations of a keyword, the best way to search for phrases, combining keywords with AND/OR.

  • Enter similar keywords, separated by OR, in a single search box (e.g. humor OR humour).  This ensures that all relevant terms are included in the search.
     
  • Use the options available to help you search more effectively.  For example, you may be able to limit your search to a particular date range, or type of article (e.g. peer-reviewed).
     
  • Don't rely on the article title - read the abstract to see exactly what is covered in the article.
     
  • Once you have located a relevant citation, check if there are other terms used which might be useful for searching.  These may appear in the abstract, or in the other parts (fields) of the record.  Depending on the database you are using, these may be called 'subject headings', 'subject terms', 'descriptors', 'concepts', 'codes' etc.

Search results:

Search results are displayed as a list of citations.  Depending upon the database used, you may not be able to access the full text of all the journal articles listed:

  • Where the search results provide full-text links, choose the PDF option (when available) for better printing results, or when page numbers for direct quotes are required

  • The HTML option can be used for ease of reading online and for the links provided within.

  • When there are no full-text links provided, select the ArticleLinker icon Article Linker.  ArticleLinker checks whether an online copy of the article is available in another database, or provides the option of checking for a print copy.

  • Remember to check that all the details you will need to reference the article are included on the document, and make a note of the database from which it was accessed.