Basic Search for Qualitative Studies in CINAHL
Basic Search for Quantitative Studies in CINAHL
Also consider using specific text words in your search such as: ethnography*, phenomenology*, grounded theory*, purposive sample, hermeneutic*, heuristic*, semiotics, lived experience*, narrative*, life experiences, cluster sample, observational method*, content analysis, field stud*, theoretical sample, discourse analysis, focus group*, interview, ethnomethodology*
Searching for Qualitative Studies in PubMed
Search Process
Characteristics | Qualitative | Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Definitions | Investigations which use sensory methods such as listening or observing to gather and organize data into patterns or themes. (CINAHL) | Scientific Investigations in which numbers are used to measure valuables such as characteristics, concepts, or things. (CINAHL) |
Word Clues |
Ethnographic study |
Case-control study |
Methods |
Focus groups |
Develop hypothesis Determines methodology Collects data Analyzes data Uses mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data |
Search Terms | Qualitative Studies (CINAHL) Qualitative Research (MEDLINE) |
Quantitative Studies (CINAHL) MEDLINE uses headings for specific types of quantitative research. See the examples listed under word clues |
Data |
Ideas |
Measurable |
Researcher Role | Subjective — involved as a participant observer | Objective — separate, observes, but doesn't participate |
An original research article is a journal article in which the author/s have conducted a research experiment of their own by observing, recording, or analyzing data. They are not reporting on research done by others (as in a systematic review), giving their opinion or arguing for a particular policy.
Look for: a METHODS section