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Health Resources Library Guide

Evidence-Based Research & Statistics

Evidence-Based Research

The databases you will be using are not like Google. Break your question up into smaller keywords and use the Advanced Search function when possible to combine your keywords in your search.

  • Use "evidence-based" as one of the keywords to search for articles that have "evidence-based" in the abstract. This will usually indicate that the article is about an evidence-based practice topic.
  • Brainstorm keywords before you begin searching, and as you search. Your search strategies may change as you get to know the database and the terms and subject headings it uses for specific topics.

Evidence-Based Websites

The following databases are free to search but may require a subscription to view the full-text articles. You may be able to view short articles and some fact sheets.


Finding Statistics

When searching for statistics, be aware that sometimes the most current statistics will be a year or two behind, depending on if the information is made available to the public at this time. Also, look out for bias: statistics can be presented in a way that purposely steers the audience to one side or another.

In addition to the following websites, try doing a Google search for the statistics you need. To only search government sites, use the following technique:

  • [search term] site:.gov
  • heart attack statistics site:.gov

This will tell Google you only want to see information from sites that end in .gov.

Statistics Websites