Communication Research

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Step 1: What is a primary research article Step 2: Use a mind-map to develop and focus your topic Step 3: Build a search strategy Step 4: Find a primary research article Step 5: Analyze your article

How to Find a Primary Research Article

By the end of this module you will know how to:

• Know what elements make up a primary research article
• Identify and narrow a topic
• Build a search strategy
• Search library databases and select an article
• Locate a primary research article

You will need to work your way through the steps outlined below:

Step 1:
Learn about what makes-up a primary research article

• Read the description of what makes up a primary research article and complete the practice exercise.
  • What is a Primary Research Journal Article?

Step 2:
Use mind-mapping to develop and focus your topic

• Mind-mapping your topic (Tutorial)
• Mind-mapping your topic ( Interactive worksheet - complete and print)

Step 3:
Build a Search Strategy

• Input your keywords from the mind-mapping sheet into the Search Strategy Builder
  • Search Strategy Builder

Step 4:
Find your own primary research articles

• Use the searches that you developed in the Search Strategy Builder to find an article in any of the databases listed below. *When searching be sure to LIMIT TO SCHOLARLY (PEER REVIEWED) ARTICLES):
  • Communication and Mass Media Complete
  • PsychInfo
  • Academic Search Complete

Step 5:
Analyze your article to determine if it is a primary research article

• Read your abstract and answer the associated questions on the Article Abstract Analysis Form
  • Article Abstract Analysis Form