When Should I Use Journals?

Tips for Using:

SPH Portal

As you approach your research question, you will first want to determine which types of sources to consult. Remember consulting textbooks (both in print and electronic formats), journal literature, information from the Internet and experts are all viable options.

Journal literature is most appropriate for:

Multifaceted questions

Example: Is a Caesarian Section delivery more effective than vaginal delivery in preventing mother to infant transmission of Hepatitis C?
BUMC MEDLINE/Ovid Sample Search Strategy
PubMed Sample Search Strategy

Behavioral/psychosocial questions

Example: Are Asian American women participating in community-based breast cancer screenings?
BUMC MEDLINE/Ovid Sample Search Strategy
PubMed Sample Search Strategy

Questions that ask about the impact of one thing on another

What are the effects of low carbohydrate diets on cardiovascular risk?
BUMC MEDLINE/Ovid Sample Search Strategy
PubMed Sample Search
Note: Searching the journal literature can be a difficult and time consuming task. Please consider contacting a librarian for research assistance.