Article rejection is not uncommon in research.

In evidence-based research, the validity and reliability of your research depend on using high-quality sources. When conducting a systematic review, it is crucial to rely on primary scientific journals, the cornerstone of evidence-based practice.

Primary scientific journals, also known as empirical research, present original data and findings from the author’s own work. These sources give you first-hand evidence that you can trust for your research. This makes them invaluable for supporting your nursing research and evidence-based practice.

Examples of Primary Scientific Journals Include:
Clinical Trials & Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Cohort Studies
Survey Research
Case Studies
Pilot/Prospective Studies
Conference Papers

How to Identify a Primary Article:
Full and detailed abstract page
Clear acknowledgment of authors’ roles and study goals
Reports original data
Clearly outlines the research method
Presents results and discussions in alignment with the abstract

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
A common mistake among students is using systematic reviews as sources in their research, which leads to “research on research” instead of direct, first-hand data. Always prioritize original research articles over reviews for a more credible and reliable foundation for your work.

Most importantly, plan your research journey to allow you time to review your sources effectively.