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PBHL3040/PBHL3042: Health Research Methods: Finding Articles

Keyword Basics

See how well-selected keywords can make or break a search.

Choosing Search Terms

Public Health Databases

The following databases will help you locate information on a variety of public health topics.  Many of these databases offer full-text access to research, articles, and other publications.  

Not every database is appropriate for every search.  Read the description or ask for assistance, if you're not sure.  You might also look at related topics (Sociology, Psychology, Education, etc.) if your topic crosses into these areas.

For a full list of the Library's databases, and other useful resources, visit our homepage: www.wpunj.edu/library.

Preliminary Research

Preliminary Research

If you're exploring a topic that's new to you or that you need to know more about, overview sources like encyclopedias or dictionaries can give you a brief understanding of the topic, history, key individuals or events, and important terminology.

Rather than going to Wikipedia, the Library provides online access to some great resources through our Credo Reference and Gale Health & Wellness databases!

Scholarly v. Popular Sources

When conducting research, you will usually be asked to find Scholarly Articles, or artices from a Scholarly Journal, rather than popular sources (like magazines and newspapers).

Not sure what the difference is between scholarly and popular?  Check out this short tutorial: Scholarly v. Popular