Once you have selected a topic for your capstone project, you will need to examine research articles to explore viable solutions. The GCU Library has various resources to support students during this process

Last updated on August 25th, 2025 at 05:28 am

Once you have selected a topic for your capstone project, you will need to examine research articles to explore viable solutions

Once you have selected a topic for your capstone project, you will need to examine research articles to explore viable solutions. The GCU Library has various resources to support students during this process.

Based on the first letter of your first name, you are assigned the following GCU Library resource:

A-F: GCU Library Nursing and Health Sciences Research Guide

G-L: GCU Library: Find Journal Articles

M-S: GCU Library: What Are Empirical/Research Articles?

T-Z: GCU Library: Capstone and Evidence-Based Projects

Please note: each of these links can be found in the topic Resources.

Describe the resource assigned to you including two examples of how this resource will support your successful completion of the capstone project.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

Expert Answer: Topic 2 DQ 1

Description of the Resource

The GCU Library Nursing and Health Sciences Research Guide, assists students to carry out research by providing access to academic resources, and databases, allowing students to conduct literature search, and retrieve meaningful literature. As a resource, the GCU also has guidelines and tools that assist students to find relevant scholarly articles. For instance, a student can access information related to the APA citation including tools that allow users to access details about pharmacological interventions.

Support for the Capstone Project Success

One of the ways in which the resource supports capstone project success is that it guides the search for literature using different forms of database including the PubMed. The databases accessible via the GCU Nursing and Health Sciences Research Guide enhance the search of academic materials, allowing students to find appropriate articles (GCU Library, n.d.). These articles can help validate interventions in the capstone project.

The resource also helps improve the capstone project outcomes by providing a guide on how to conduct a successful Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) initiative. It does this by providing tools and materials that guide researchers on how to retrieve sources, and synthesize these sources to generate evidence. By supporting EBP, the GCU resource helps improve the quality of the content of the capstone project (Reid, Chiavaroli, & Bilszta, 2022). This also ensures grounding of the capstone to the evidence, improving its validness.

References

GCU Library (n.d.). Nursing & Health Sciences. https://libguides.gcu.edu/Nursing.

Reid, K. J., Chiavaroli, N. G., & Bilszta, J. L. C. (2022). Assessing a Capstone Research Project in Medical Training: Examiner Consistency Using Generic Versus Domain-Specific Rubrics. Journal of medical education and curricular development, 9, 23821205221081813. https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205221081813.

Topic 2 DQ 2

Differentiate between research and EBP. Discuss a peer-reviewed article that you have located that supports the need for a change in nursing practice.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

Expert Answer: Topic 2 DQ 2

Differences Between Research and EBP

While Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Research serve the same purpose of improving nursing practice through knowledge development, the two are dissimilar, with this distinctiveness seen across areas like aim, focus and the method employed. While research contributes to the generation of knowledge, EBP involves the application of the knowledge generated through research and other methods to practice, often with the aim of optimizing the quality of care.

In terms of the methods employed, research integrates structured method of literature analysis to generate knowledge while EBP is characterized by the appraisal of evidence, and using this evidence to inform clinical decisions. By conducting research, researchers seek to develop new ideas and gain new insights (Cardoso et al., 2021). Conversely, EBP results to the improvement in clinical practice.

Peer-Reviewed Article

The article authored by Watanabe et al. (2023) features a study conducted to investigate the efficacy of the telemental health in addressing mental disorders in rural areas. The method employed involved searching for literature in selected databases including MEDLINE, and retrieving and synthesizing a total of six sources that met the inclusion criteria. Two of these studies revealed that the adoption of the identified intervention translated to the improvement of the symptoms of certain mental health disorders like depression among residents of rural areas.

The identified article matters because it demonstrates the ability of the telhealth-based interventions to support access to mental health care in rural areas. It also illustrates the effectiveness of this intervention in improving symptoms in patients with psychiatric issues. This information can be incorporated into EBP to improve mental health outcomes in rural areas.

References

Cardoso, D., Couto, F., Cardoso, A. F., Bobrowicz-Campos, E., Santos, L., Rodrigues, R., Coutinho, V., Pinto, D., Ramis, M. A., Rodrigues, M. A., & Apóstolo, J. (2021). The Effectiveness of an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Educational Program on Undergraduate Nursing Students’ EBP Knowledge and Skills: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(1), 293. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010293.

Watanabe, J., Teraura, H., Nakamura, A., & Kotani, K. (2023). Telemental Health in Rural Areas: A Systematic Review. Journal of Rural Medicine: JRM, 18(2), 50–54. https://doi.org/10.2185/jrm.2022-059.

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The Guide to Capstone Project Research: Leveraging GCU Library Resources for Academic Success

Once you have selected a topic for your capstone project, you will need to examine research articles to explore viable solutions. The GCU Library has various resources to support students during this process, making it essential to understand how to effectively utilize these tools for academic success. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based strategies for conducting thorough capstone project research using GCU’s extensive library system.

Understanding Capstone Project Research Requirements

What Makes Capstone Research Different?

Capstone projects represent the culmination of your academic journey, requiring sophisticated research methodologies and comprehensive literature reviews. Unlike standard assignments, capstone research demands:

• Depth of Analysis: Examining multiple perspectives on complex issues
• Original Contribution: Identifying gaps in existing literature
• Methodological Rigor: Applying appropriate research frameworks
• Professional Application: Connecting theory to real-world practice

Research Success Statistics

Source: Academic Research Effectiveness Study, 2024

GCU Library Resources: Your Research Foundation

Primary Database Collections

The GCU Library provides access to multiple databases simultaneously, including multidisciplinary and subject-specific resources. Key databases for capstone research include:

Healthcare and Nursing Programs

• PubMed: Essential for finding evidence-based healthcare research articles
• CINAHL: Comprehensive nursing and allied health database
• Cochrane Library: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Business and Management

• Business Source Premier: Industry reports and case studies
• ABI/INFORM: Business and economic literature
• MarketLine: Company and industry analysis

Education and Psychology

• ERIC: Educational research database
• PsycINFO: Psychological literature and research
• Academic Search Complete: Multidisciplinary academic content

Advanced Search Strategies

Boolean Search Techniques

Database-Specific Features

1. Subject Headings: Use controlled vocabulary for precise results
2. Limiters: Filter by publication date, peer-review status, full-text availability
3. Citation Tools: Automatically generate APA, MLA, or Chicago citations
4. Alert Systems: Receive notifications for new research in your topic area

Step-by-Step Research Process

Phase 1: Topic Refinement and Preliminary Research

Week 1-2 Activities:

1. Conduct initial database searches using broad keywords
2. Review 15-20 abstracts to understand research landscape
3. Identify key researchers and frequently cited works
4. Refine research questions based on literature gaps

Expected Outcomes:

• Focused research question
• Initial bibliography of 25-30 sources
• Understanding of theoretical frameworks

Phase 2: Comprehensive Literature Review

Week 3-5 Activities:

1. Systematic search across 3-5 relevant databases
2. Apply inclusion/exclusion criteria
3. Organize sources using citation management tools
4. Identify research methodologies used in similar studies

Quality Indicators for Sources:

• Peer-reviewed publications (minimum 80% of sources)
• Recent publications (within 5 years for 70% of sources)
• Diverse geographic and institutional representation
• Mix of primary research and review articles

Phase 3: Methodology Development

Week 6-7 Activities:

1. Review methodology sections of key studies
2. Identify appropriate research design
3. Consider ethical implications and IRB requirements
4. Develop data collection and analysis plans

Research Methodology Framework

Quantitative Research Approaches

Qualitative Research Approaches

Mixed Methods Integration

Advanced statistical methodology combined with qualitative insights provides comprehensive understanding of real-world challenges. Consider:

• Sequential Explanatory: Quantitative → Qualitative
• Sequential Exploratory: Qualitative → Quantitative
• Concurrent Triangulation: Simultaneous data collection

Accessing GCU Library Resources Effectively

On-Campus vs. Remote Access

Campus Access Benefits

• High-speed database connections
• Librarian consultation availability
• Study group collaboration spaces
• Print and digital resource integration

Remote Access Setup

1. VPN configuration for off-campus access
2. Authentication through GCU credentials
3. Mobile app installation for research portability
4. Cloud storage integration for source management

Research Guides Utilization

GCU provides specialized research guides for different subjects, including general research guides ideal for new students. These guides offer:

• Subject-specific database recommendations
• Search strategy templates
• Citation style examples
• Topic development frameworks

Common Research Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Information Overload

Problem: Too many search results to review effectively Solution:

• Use specific Boolean operators
• Apply date and publication type filters
• Focus on systematic reviews and meta-analyses first
• Create search logs to track effective strategies

Challenge 2: Access Limitations

Problem: Desired articles behind paywalls Solution:

• Utilize GCU’s interlibrary loan services
• Check for open access versions
• Contact authors directly for copies
• Explore government and institutional repositories

Challenge 3: Outdated Information

Problem: Field evolving faster than published research Solution:

• Include grey literature (reports, conference proceedings)
• Follow key researchers on academic social media
• Set up database alerts for new publications
• Consider preprint servers for cutting-edge research

Quality Assessment Framework

Source Evaluation Criteria

Primary Source Indicators

• Original research or data
• Peer-review process
• Institutional affiliation of authors
• Methodology transparency
• Conflict of interest disclosure

Secondary Source Evaluation

• Synthesis quality and comprehensiveness
• Citation accuracy and completeness
• Author expertise in subject area
• Publication venue reputation
• Update frequency for review articles

Evidence Hierarchy

Technology Integration for Research Excellence

Citation Management Systems

Recommended Tools

1. Zotero: Free, browser integration, group collaboration
2. EndNote: Advanced features, institutional support
3. Mendeley: Social networking, PDF annotation
4. RefWorks: Cloud-based, mobile accessibility

Features Comparison

Data Analysis Software

Quantitative Analysis

• SPSS: User-friendly interface, comprehensive statistics
• R: Open-source, advanced analytics, visualization
• SAS: Enterprise-level, pharmaceutical industry standard
• Stata: Econometric focus, panel data analysis

Qualitative Analysis

• NVivo: Comprehensive coding, mixed methods support
• Atlas.ti: Multimedia analysis, team collaboration
• MAXQDA: Visual tools, social media analysis
• Dedoose: Web-based, affordable pricing

Project Timeline and Milestones

Semester-Long Capstone Schedule

Months 1-2: Foundation Phase

• Week 1-2: Topic selection and preliminary research
• Week 3-4: Research question development
• Week 5-6: Methodology selection
• Week 7-8: IRB submission (if required)

Months 3-4: Implementation Phase

• Week 9-12: Data collection
• Week 13-16: Initial analysis and interpretation

Months 5-6: Completion Phase

• Week 17-20: Final analysis and writing
• Week 21-24: Revision and presentation preparation

Weekly Time Allocation

Best Practices for Academic Integrity

Plagiarism Prevention Strategies

1. Immediate Citation: Record source information during research
2. Paraphrasing Skills: Rewrite concepts in your own words
3. Quotation Guidelines: Use direct quotes sparingly and purposefully
4. Self-Plagiarism Awareness: Avoid reusing previous work without permission

Ethical Research Considerations

Human Subjects Protection

• IRB approval requirements
• Informed consent procedures
• Data confidentiality measures
• Risk-benefit assessment

Data Management Ethics

• Secure storage protocols
• Access limitation procedures
• Retention and disposal policies
• Sharing and collaboration guidelines

Advanced Research Techniques

Systematic Review Methodology

When your capstone requires comprehensive evidence synthesis:

1. Protocol Development: Define inclusion/exclusion criteria
2. Comprehensive Search: Multiple databases and grey literature
3. Quality Assessment: Use validated appraisal tools
4. Data Extraction: Standardized forms and dual reviewers
5. Synthesis Methods: Meta-analysis or narrative synthesis

Cross-Disciplinary Research

Integration Strategies

• Identify common methodologies across fields
• Translate terminology between disciplines
• Seek interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
• Attend cross-field conferences and workshops

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Technical Problems

Database Access Issues

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try alternative browsers
• Check VPN connection status
• Contact IT support for authentication problems

PDF Download Problems

• Check firewall settings
• Verify sufficient storage space
• Try different download formats
• Use alternative access methods

Research-Specific Challenges

Limited Source Availability

• Expand search terms and databases
• Include international publications
• Consider interdisciplinary approaches
• Utilize interlibrary loan services

Conflicting Research Findings

• Analyze methodology differences
• Consider publication bias
• Examine sample characteristics
• Discuss limitations explicitly

Future-Proofing Your Research Skills

Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence Tools

• Literature discovery assistance
• Data analysis automation
• Writing support applications
• Citation verification systems

Open Science Movement

• Preprint server utilization
• Open access publishing
• Data sharing platforms
• Reproducible research practices

Professional Development

Skill Building Opportunities

• Research methodology workshops
• Statistical analysis training
• Academic writing courses
• Conference presentation experience

Conclusion

Successfully completing capstone project research requires strategic use of GCU Library resources combined with systematic methodology and careful attention to academic standards. The GCU library serves as your all-in-one resource for learning, research, and reference, providing the foundation for scholarly excellence.

By following this comprehensive guide, students can navigate the complexities of capstone research while leveraging institutional resources for maximum academic impact. Remember that research is an iterative process requiring patience, persistence, and continuous learning.

The investment in thorough research methodology pays dividends not only in capstone project success but in developing lifelong skills essential for professional practice and continuing education. Under proper academic guidance, students can undertake research projects focused on issues relevant to their program of study, contributing meaningful knowledge to their chosen fields.

References

1. Grand Canyon University Library. (2024). About Library – Databases and Resources. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/why-gcu/campus-life/library
2. Grand Canyon University Library. (2024). Library Homepage. Retrieved from https://library.gcu.edu/
3. StudoCu. (2024). NRS 493 DQ 2-1 Discussion. Retrieved from https://www.studocu.com/en-us/document/grand-canyon-university/professional-capstone-and-practicum/nrs-493-dq-2-1-discussion/71332221
4. Carnegie Mellon University. (2024). Research/Capstone Project Showcase. Retrieved from https://www.stat.cmu.edu/capstoneresearch/
5. Writezilas. (2024). GCU RN-BSN Professional Capstone and Practicum. Retrieved from https://writezilas.com/blog/post/nrs-493-professional-capstone-and-practicum-week-1-10-explained
6. Grand Canyon University Blog. (2015). Research Guides. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/blog/gcu-experience/research-guides
7. University of Surrey. (2024). CAPSTONE PROJECT Module. Retrieved from https://catalogue.surrey.ac.uk/2024-5/module/MANM488