Strategic Reading
When you find a potentially useful article, consult the handout to quickly evaluate it.
No full text? Here's a tip.
If an article is not available in full text try:
- Find it button,
- Google Scholar,
- Interlibrary Loan
In that order.
Keyword search to browse articles
Communication & Mass Media Complete database allows you to search through almost 1000 communication-specific news and research publications including 326 scholarly communication research journals.
Example research question: "Adult nonverbal communication in romantic relationships."
Keywords to use: adults, nonverbal communication, romantic relationships
1. Search: nonverbal communication = 58,000 articles.
2. Use the suggested OR terms: nonverbal communication OR or body language or facial expression = +1 million articles.
3.Add adults = 257,000 articles.
4. Add romantic relationships or dating or intimate or courtship = 1,460
5. Limit to: Peer Reviewed and Publication Date = 605
- If you find an article, use the citation generator to create your APA 7 citation.
- Keep your article by downloading it or by using the permalink.
If this is still you, consider my BIG 3 research approach for scholarly sources:
1. Use library tools first. If we don't have it, go to step 2.
2. Try Google Scholar as a fallback plan. If that doesn't work (like, you hit a paywall)...
3. Use SU Libraries' Interlibrary Loan service when all else fails. If you have citation info for a source you can't get, request it through ILL.