Assignment Question
What steps do you take to locate primary and peer-reviewed research articles when performing a literature search? What resources are available to you to engage in a meaningful and successful literature search? As you have explored throughout this course, Walden University provides vast resources for student support to ensure success in their academic program of study. When it comes to research and using Library resources, several support mechanisms are available to you as well. Taking the first step to think about a research topic or area of interest and filtering that topic using a series of keywords and operations will be a fundamental component for performing a literature search in Walden Library’s databases. While the ultimate goal is to produce a set or results that match your search criteria, you must keep in mind that that the quality of the research articles obtained will likely vary. Thus, you must critically examine and analyze the aims of the research produced and how it aligns, confirms, or negates your topic or area of research. As you develop proficiency in this area, you will discover that you can extract content themes and frameworks to enhance future research and the need to identify additional research support. For this Assignment, consult the Walden Library webinars and resources provided. These resources serve as a general good first step for performing literature searches and engaging with the databases of research available to you. Think about a research topic or area of interest to focus on for this Assignment. Then, search the Walden Library to locate and retrieve peer-reviewed research articles that pertain to your topic or area of interest. 6-paragraph assignment in which you do the following: a 1-pararaph introduction of how you conducted your literature search and the databases consulted in your search in relation to your practice area or area of interest. Be specific and provide examples. a 1-paragraph summary of each of the articles you have selected (a total of 3 paragraphs). 1 paragraph that synthesizes the three articles using a scholarly voice. a final paragraph in which you discuss the differences between summarizing and synthesizing research. Be specific and provide examples. Shea, C. M., Jacobs, S. R., Esserman, D. A., Bruce, K., & Weiner, B. J. (2014). Organizational readiness for implementing change: A psychometric assessment of a new measureLinks to an external site.. Implementation Science, 9(7), 1–15. Walden University. (2021). DNP capstone resources NURS 8702 and NURS 8703Links to an external site.. Office of Research and Doctoral Studies. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/program-documents/dnp-8702-8703 Walden University. (n.d.). Subject research: Nursing.Links to an external site. Walden Library. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/subject/nursing Walden University. (n.d.). Using evidence: Synthesis.Links to an external site. Writing Center. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/evidence/synthesis Westlake, C. (2012). Practical tips for literature synthesis. Clinical Nurse Specialist,Links to an external site. 26(5), 244–249. https://doi.org/10.1097/NUR.0b013e318263d766
Answer
Introduction
Conducting a thorough literature search is an essential step in the journey of academic research, particularly within the dynamic and evolving field of nursing. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the steps taken to locate primary and peer-reviewed research articles, coupled with an exploration of the resources employed for a meaningful and successful literature search. The focus remains on my practice area or area of interest within nursing, with specific attention given to the field of organizational readiness for implementing change in healthcare settings. The databases consulted for this extensive search include the Walden Library, particularly the nursing subject research section (Walden University, n.d.).
Literature Search Process
Initiating a literature search involves a strategic approach, beginning with the identification of a specific area of interest within nursing. For this assignment, the chosen focus is on organizational readiness for change in healthcare settings. The Walden Library nursing subject research resources served as a primary gateway to a comprehensive selection of peer-reviewed articles relevant to the chosen topic (Walden University, n.d.). Additionally, exploration of the DNP capstone resources for NURS 8702 and NURS 8703 ensured a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, enriching the literature search process (Walden University, 2021). The first step in the literature search involved brainstorming and refining the research topic. Organizational readiness for change was selected due to its significance in the dynamic healthcare landscape. Next, a list of keywords and related terms was compiled to guide the search process. Terms such as “organizational readiness,” “change management,” and “healthcare” formed the basis of the search strategy.
The chosen databases, primarily from the Walden Library, were then systematically searched using the identified keywords. The nursing subject research resources proved invaluable, offering a curated collection of articles directly relevant to the chosen topic. The search was not limited to specific years, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the literature on organizational readiness for change in healthcare. As the search progressed, it became evident that the DNP capstone resources for NURS 8702 and NURS 8703 provided tailored guidance and additional references specific to the nursing practice area. These resources, curated by Walden University (2021), acted as a bridge between the academic requirements of the assignment and the practical insights required for a nuanced exploration of organizational readiness in healthcare.
Summary of Selected Articles
Shea, C. M., Jacobs, S. R., Esserman, D. A., Bruce, K., & Weiner, B. J. (2014). Organizational readiness for implementing change: A psychometric assessment of a new measure.
Shea et al. (2014) conducted a psychometric assessment of a new measure for organizational readiness for implementing change. The study is significant for its methodological approach, providing insights into the assessment of readiness within healthcare organizations. The psychometric assessment offered a rigorous tool for evaluating organizational readiness, emphasizing the importance of valid and reliable measures in change management initiatives (Shea et al., 2014).
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative elements. The qualitative phase involved interviews with key stakeholders in healthcare organizations to identify factors influencing readiness for change. The quantitative phase included the development and validation of a survey instrument to measure organizational readiness. The researchers demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of readiness for change, emphasizing the need for multifaceted assessments (Shea et al., 2014).
Westlake, C. (2012). Practical tips for literature synthesis. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 26(5), 244–249.
Westlake (2012) contributes practical tips for literature synthesis, emphasizing the importance of effectively synthesizing research findings. The article provides valuable guidance on how to extract content themes and frameworks from literature, enhancing future research endeavors. Westlake’s insights are particularly relevant in the context of nursing research, where a comprehensive understanding of existing literature is crucial for informing evidence-based practice (Westlake, 2012).
The article outlines a systematic approach to literature synthesis, emphasizing the importance of identifying commonalities, differences, and gaps in the literature. Westlake (2012) suggests that synthesizing literature involves more than summarizing individual articles; it requires an in-depth analysis to uncover overarching themes and contribute to the development of a robust knowledge base in a specific area of study.
Walden University. (2021). DNP capstone resources NURS 8702 and NURS 8703.
Walden University (2021) offers DNP capstone resources specific to NURS 8702 and NURS 8703. These resources serve as comprehensive guides, aiding in the identification of relevant research articles and supporting the overall literature search process. The curated resources align with the academic requirements of the DNP program, ensuring that students have access to relevant and authoritative materials for their research endeavors (Walden University, 2021).
The DNP capstone resources include guidelines for literature reviews, templates for organizing research findings, and links to key databases. These resources are particularly useful for students undertaking projects in the nursing field, providing a structured approach to the literature search process. The inclusion of these resources exemplifies Walden University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic and research endeavors.
Synthesis of Articles
Synthesizing the selected articles offers a cohesive understanding of the importance of organizational readiness in healthcare settings. Shea et al.’s (2014) psychometric assessment aligns with Westlake’s (2012) practical tips on literature synthesis, emphasizing the need for robust methodologies when evaluating readiness for change. The inclusion of DNP capstone resources by Walden University (2021) further complements these findings, offering specific guidance tailored to the nursing practice area.
The psychometric assessment by Shea et al. (2014) introduces a quantitative aspect to the evaluation of organizational readiness, providing a validated measure for healthcare organizations. This aligns with Westlake’s (2012) emphasis on the importance of synthesizing literature to extract content themes and frameworks, as the psychometric assessment serves as a foundational element in understanding and measuring readiness for change.
The DNP capstone resources provided by Walden University (2021) act as a bridge between academic requirements and practical insights. By offering tailored resources for NURS 8702 and NURS 8703, Walden University ensures that nursing students have access to materials specifically curated for their program. This integration of academic and practical resources enhances the overall quality of the literature search, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic within the context of their nursing practice.
Differences Between Summarizing and Synthesizing Research
Understanding the distinctions between summarizing and synthesizing research is critical for effective literature reviews. Summarizing involves condensing the key points of a single article, providing a concise overview of its main findings, methods, and implications. In the context of Shea et al.’s (2014) psychometric assessment, summarizing would entail highlighting the development of a new measure for organizational readiness and its psychometric properties.
On the other hand, synthesizing research goes beyond individual summaries, integrating information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of a particular topic. Synthesizing involves identifying common themes, patterns, and gaps in the literature, allowing for a nuanced and holistic interpretation of the chosen subject. In the case of this literature search, synthesizing involves integrating the findings from Shea et al. (2014), Westlake (2012), and the DNP capstone resources by Walden University (2021) to develop a holistic understanding of organizational readiness in healthcare settings.
For example, while summarizing Westlake’s (2012) article would involve outlining practical tips for literature synthesis, synthesizing would encompass integrating these tips with the psychometric assessment by Shea et al. (2014) and the additional guidance from Walden University’s DNP capstone resources (2021). The synthesis would then contribute to a more comprehensive view of the methodologies and practical considerations in approaching organizational readiness for change in nursing.
Conclusion
An effective literature search involves a strategic approach that goes beyond merely identifying relevant articles. The synthesis of information from multiple sources enhances the depth of understanding and contributes to the development of robust research in nursing. The integration of practical resources, such as DNP capstone materials, further strengthens the literature search process, ensuring that academic endeavors align with the practical realities of the nursing profession. This comprehensive exploration exemplifies the importance of a well-rounded approach to literature searching in the dynamic field of nursing research.
References
Shea, C. M., Jacobs, S. R., Esserman, D. A., Bruce, K., & Weiner, B. J. (2014). Organizational readiness for implementing change: A psychometric assessment of a new measure. Implementation Science, 9(7), 1–15.
Walden University. (2021). DNP capstone resources NURS 8702 and NURS 8703. Office of Research and Doctoral Studies.
Walden University. (n.d.). Subject research: Nursing. Walden Library.
Walden University. (n.d.). Using evidence: Synthesis. Writing Center.
Westlake, C. (2012). Practical tips for literature synthesis. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 26(5), 244–249.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of a literature search in academic research?
The purpose of a literature search is to identify and review existing scholarly works relevant to a specific topic. It helps researchers understand the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in literature, and inform the development of new research questions or hypotheses.
How do I conduct a literature search effectively?
To conduct an effective literature search, start by defining your research topic and identifying relevant keywords. Utilize academic databases, library resources, and search engines. Refine your search terms based on initial results, and critically evaluate the quality and relevance of the sources you find.
What are primary and peer-reviewed research articles?
Primary research articles report original research and are often published in peer-reviewed journals. Peer-reviewed means that the article has undergone a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the field before publication to ensure its quality and validity.
How can I access resources from Walden Library for my literature search?
You can access Walden Library resources through the university’s online portal. Visit the library website and navigate to the relevant subject area. Use the provided databases and tools to search for peer-reviewed articles, books, and other academic resources.
Why is synthesizing research important?
Synthesizing research involves integrating information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of a particular topic. It helps researchers identify patterns, themes, and gaps in the literature, contributing to a more nuanced and informed perspective on the research area.