Databases use controlled vocabulary to index or tag articles and books. Often referred to as Subject Headings, these terms describe the main topics or concepts presented in the article or book.
For example in Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest) any article about teenagers, young adults, juveniles, youth, etc., will be tagged with the Subject Heading Adolescents.
Some databases have tools to help you find the controlled vocabulary terms. These terms usually include definitions. For example -->
How to use PICO to refine your research question from the Medical College of Wisconsin Libraries (1:43).
As you consider the scope of your research, think about how you will define these concepts:
PICO Variations
(From Lackey, M. (2013). Systematic reviews: Searching the literature [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://guides.lib.unc.edu/ld.php?content_id=258919)
In adults, is screening for depression and feedback of results to providers more effective than no screening and feedback in improving outcomes of major depression in primary care settings?
(From Lackey, M. (2013). Systematic reviews: Searching the literature [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://guides.lib.unc.edu/ld.php?content_id=258919)
Through this tutorial you will learn how to:
Instructions:
1. Connect to the campus network via the VPN if you are off-campus. You will need this connection to access one or more library databases while taking the tutorial.
2. Take the short quiz at the end of the tutorial. Enter your email address AND your professor's email address. Afterwards locate the email confirmation. These emails often go to your SPAM folder, so be sure to check there. It is often easiest to search in your email account for the phrase "Results for Using Sociological Abstracts" to find your email confirmation.
3. You are ready! Click on the link below to start the tutorial. Follow the instructions on the left hand of the screen and, as directed, complete activities in the main screen (right).
Using Sociological Abstracts >> https://ucmercedlibrary.libwizard.com/f/sociological-abstracts
PubMed: Intro to Basic Searching Tutorial
Instructions:
1. Connect to the campus network via the VPN if you are off-campus. You will need this connection to access one or more library databases while taking the tutorial.
2. Take the short quiz at the end of the tutorial. Enter your email address AND your professor's email address. Afterwards locate the email confirmation. These emails often go to your SPAM folder, so be sure to check there. It is often easiest to search in your email account for the phrase "Certificate of completion" to find your email confirmation.
3. You are ready! Click on the link below to start the tutorial. Follow the instructions on the left hand of the screen and, as directed, complete activities in the main screen (right).
PubMed: Intro to Basic Searching >> https://ucmercedlibrary.libwizard.com/f/pubmed-basics
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