CINAHL Databases - Basic Searching Tutorial

Summary

This tutorial guides users through conducting a basic search in the CINAHL databases. It covers how to apply search options like limiters (e.g., Full Text, Peer Reviewed) and expanders (e.g., Apply related words). Users can refine their search results by date and source types, such as CEUs and Research Instruments. The video also demonstrates using CINAHL's subject headings to enhance search targeting. Additionally, it introduces the Evidence-Based Care Sheets, Quick Lessons, and Continuing Education Units available in CINAHL Ultimate, Complete, and Plus databases. The tutorial offers helpful tips for efficient searching and result management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start your search by entering a keyword, like 'migraine', into the Basic Search screen.
• 😀 Use the **Full Text** limiter to restrict search results to articles with full text.
• 😀 Apply additional limiters such as **Peer Reviewed** and **References Available** to refine your results.
• 😀 Use **Find any of my search terms** for OR searches and **Find all my search terms** for AND searches.
• 😀 Check the **Apply related words** box to expand your search with related terms.
• 😀 Adjust the **Date Slider** under **Limit To** to narrow search results by date.
• 😀 The **Show More** link helps you refine your results further and access more filters.
• 😀 The Result List shows different source types such as **CEUs**, **Research Instruments**, and **Quick Lessons**.
• 😀 Click on the **Full Text** link to read an article in full.
• 😀 To collect results, use the **folder icon** and sign in to save them beyond the current session.
• 😀 Search for targeted subject terms by checking the **Suggest Subject Terms** box and using the **CINAHL Subject Headings** link.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this tutorial?

The tutorial teaches how to conduct a basic search using CINAHL databases and how to access resources like Evidence-Based Care Sheets and Quick Lessons in CINAHL Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, and CINAHL Plus.

How do you begin a basic search in CINAHL?

You begin by conducting a keyword search from the Basic Search screen with the available Search Options opened. Enter the keyword 'migraine' in the search box and select the Full Text limiter to restrict results to those including full text.

What additional limiters can be applied to a search?

Additional limiters include options like Peer Reviewed and References Available, which help narrow the results based on these criteria.

How do Search Modes affect the search results?

Search Modes allow you to choose between using an OR or AND operator between search terms. The 'Find any of my search terms' mode applies OR, while 'Find all my search terms' uses AND.

What does the 'Apply related words' option do?

The 'Apply related words' option expands your search by including synonyms or closely related terms to your initial search query.

How can you narrow search results by date?

You can use the date slider under 'Limit To' to filter results by date, dragging either end of the slider towards the middle to adjust the time range.

What is the 'Show More' link used for?

The 'Show More' link is used to reveal additional source types or refine search results further, providing more detailed options for the user.

How can you save search results beyond the current session?

To save results beyond the current session, click the Sign In link to access your MyEBSCO folder account, or create a free new folder account to store results.

Why are subject terms important in CINAHL searches?

Subject terms are assigned by CINAHL Editorial staff based on article content, allowing you to conduct a more targeted and effective search. These terms help refine your results by focusing on specific topics.

How can you browse for appropriate subject terms in CINAHL?

You can check the 'Suggest Subject Terms' box before conducting a search, or click the 'CINAHL Subject Headings' link in the top toolbar to browse subject terms that fit your search.

What additional resources are available in CINAHL Ultimate, Complete, and Plus?

In these databases, you can access Evidence-Based Care Sheets, Quick Lessons, and Continuing Education Unit (CEU) modules. You can search these resources by checking items from the available list and clicking the Search button.