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NURS 7303 - Knowledge Translation I: Use the Databases

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Each database has a different method of searching. This page will show you methods for searching PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus.

Access the Databases

Boolean Operators

Combine your search terms using Boolean operators to get results.

What are Boolean Operators?

Boolean operators connect your search words together to either narrow or broaden your results in a database (like PubMed) or search engine (like Google Scholar).

Boolean operators are the words "AND", "OR" and "NOT".

Diagram Explaining Boolean Operators

  Prefer a video? Watch this Boolean Operators tutorial.

Identifying Theories Using Databases

Remember to check MeSH TERMS and use keywords when building your search.

Limit search results on the left-hand side of the screen. Remember to:

  • SHOW additional filters
  • and then APPLY the filters

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Remember to use SUBJECT HEADINGS to help make searching easier. Most citations in CINAHL are indexed.

Applying limits to CINAHL search

Applying limits to CINAHL search

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Scopus uses KEYWORD SEARCHING only.

Remember to "Limit to" or "Exclude" once you have made your selections.

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