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PTA225: Research Using the Digital Library

What You Will Learn

This guide will provide you with information that will assist you with your research.

It includes:

  • Finding a specific article from a journal.
  • Accessing library databases.
  • Conducting a database search to find full text and/or scholarly articles.
  • What is a scholarly article.
  • How to read a scholarly article.

Check markCheck audio on your computer or have headphones ready.

Article Citations for This Assignment

Horak, F. B. (2006). Postural orientation and equilibrium: what do we need to know about neural control of balance to prevent falls?. Age and Ageing, 35(S2), ii7-ii11. doi:10.1093/AGEING/AFL077

Kleim, J. (2011). Neural plasticity and neurorehabilitation: Teaching the new brain old tricks. Journal of Communication Disorders, 44(5), 521-528. doi:10.1016/J.JCOMDIS.2011.04.006

Trompetto, C., Marinelli, L., Mori, L., Pelosin, E., Currà, A., Molfetta, L., & Abbruzzese, G. (2014). Pathophysiology of spasticity: implications for neurorehabilitation. BioMed Research International2014, 354906. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/354906

Marsden, J., & Harris, C. (2011). Cerebellar ataxia: pathophysiology and rehabilitation. Clinical Rehabilitation, 25(3), 195-216. doi:10.1177/0269215510382495

Skogseid, I. M. (2014). Dystonia – new advances in classification, genetics, pathophysiology and treatment. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica129, 13–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.12231

Source Types

As you begin the research process it is important to understand that there are different types of sources. It is important to have a good understanding of the different sources and which specific ones you should be using for each of your assignments.

Chart:  Comparing Source characteristics.

Reading a Scholarly Article

Learn about the different sections that make up a scholarly article by rolling over each highlighted section.  Click on each of the sections for more information.

Quick Tip

When reading a scholarly/peer reviewed article, it is ok to skip around. You may want to read the introduction and the discussion sections first, then go back and read the remaining sections for more detail. 

How to Find a Specific Article in a Journal

*click the [ ] to expand to full screen for better viewing

Accessing the Research Databases to Search by Keyword

Accessing Full Text Articles in the Databases

Tips for Reading a Scholarly Article

- You don't have to read the entire article start to finish. Look at the different sections independently. You will find some sections easier to understand and pull facts from then others. 

- Read critically. Is there any bias? Look at sample size or population to see how the data was collected and analyzed. 

- If you come across a word you aren't familiar with stop and look it up. Researchers use a lot of terminology that you might not yet be familiar with. 

- Look at the references to find additional research.