Reflect on the strategies presented in the Resources this Module’s Learning Resources in support of locating and analyzing research. Use the Walden Library to identify and read one peer-reviewed research article focused on a topic in your specialty field that interests you. Review the article you selected and reflect on the professional practice use of theories/concepts described by the article. The Assignment:

Step 2: Summary of Analysis

My approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research begins with a systematic and thorough search process. I typically start by formulating a clear research question or topic and identifying relevant keywords and phrases associated with it. I then utilize academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and university library databases to conduct searches.

One effective strategy I employ is using Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR) to refine my search and target specific aspects of my research question (Al-Jundi & Sakka, 2017). Additionally, I pay close attention to filters and sorting options provided by these databases, such as publication date and peer-reviewed journal filters, to ensure that I retrieve high-quality research articles.

Another effective strategy I use is citation chaining, where I explore the reference lists of articles, I find relevant to my topic. This allows me to trace back to earlier research that has influenced the current body of knowledge and identify seminal studies in the field. Additionally, I frequently consult authoritative sources such as Cochrane Reviews and systematic reviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of evidence on a particular topic.

In the future, I intend to use Google Scholar more extensively as a resource for finding peer-reviewed research. Google Scholar provides access to a vast network of researchers and their publications, making it a valuable platform for discovering relevant studies and connecting with experts in specific fields (Rahmatullah & Gunawan, 2020). This resource can facilitate not only the identification of peer-reviewed research but also potential collaborations and discussions with fellow researchers.