1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research project, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How long is the paper?

3-4 pages, not including title page and references page

Q. How many sources?

You will need to use at least 3 academic journal articles for this assignment, but using 4 will earn more points on the grading rubric.

Q. What are the academic journal article requirements?

Articles must be from a peer-reviewed academic journal.
The academic journal must be in the nursing or medical field.
Articles must be from the last 5-7 years.

Q. How do you cite sources?

Use APA format to cite your journal article.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Make note of of any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any part you're not sure about.

What is a Peer-Reviewed Journal?

This assignment requires the use of peer-reviewed journal articles. Peer-review is a rigorous process articles go through before being published in academic journals. Peer-review means other experts will review an article before it gets published in academic journals. Peer-review means other experts will review an article before it gets published to make sure it meets the journal's standards, uses credible sources, and contributes new information to the field.

In the library databases, there will be a filter available so that you only search peer-reviewed journals.

The below video from North Carolina State University gives an excellent overview of the peer-review process.