Full Answer Section

• Overabundance of Articles: A broad search term might yield a massive number of articles, many of which may not be directly relevant to your specific topic.
• Limited Results: A very specific search term might return very few articles, hindering your ability to gather a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
• Identifying Peer-Reviewed Articles: Not all articles found online are scholarly sources. It can be challenging to distinguish between credible academic publications and non-peer-reviewed content.

Strategies:

• Refine Your Keywords: Start with broad keywords to get a general sense of the topic. Then, gradually add more specific keywords to narrow down your search and ensure the articles are directly related to your research question.
• Use Boolean Operators: Operators like “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” help refine your search. For instance, “digital transformation AND manufacturing” will find articles that discuss both concepts, while “digital transformation NOT healthcare” will exclude healthcare-related articles.
• Leverage Scholarly Databases: Utilize the Walden University Library’s resources like databases specifically designed for academic research. These databases typically house peer-reviewed articles from respected journals.
• The “Peer-Reviewed” Checkbox: Many library databases offer a “peer-reviewed” filter. Utilize this to ensure you’re finding credible academic sources.
• Citation Trail: Look at the reference lists of relevant articles you find. These will often point you towards other scholarly sources on the same topic.

Resources and Tips:

• Walden University Library: Explore the library’s tutorials and guides on effective scholarly search strategies.
• Librarians: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Walden University librarians. They are experts in research and can provide personalized guidance on finding relevant scholarly articles for your Capstone project.
• Organizational Advice: Develop a systematic approach to your search. Start broad, then refine your keywords and utilize Boolean operators. Take advantage of the library’s resources and librarian expertise. Keep clear track of your search terms and the articles you find.

By following these strategies and utilizing the available resources, you can effectively navigate the challenges of scholarly article search and build a strong foundation for your Capstone project.