Getting frustrated? Not finding relevant sources? Here are some strategies to try when searching the databases.
Many students make the mistake of using the same type of search strategies that they use in Google. They cram their keywords into one search box when Advanced search boxes are available.
1. Separate the different aspects of your research topic into separate search boxes using the Advanced Search boxes.
In the example above, all the search words are in the same search box. Break the different concepts up and put the terms in their own search box.
After the search above, examine carefully the title, subjects and abstracts to find clues for constructing a more effective search. Also use the keywords you found in the Research Starter.
Notice that we initially entered "young adult literature" in the top search box, but in the SUBJECTS, it's listed as "Young adult fiction". Make sure you include both "fiction" and "literature" in your search.
2. Combine synonyms or related terms by putting them in the same search box and combining them with OR. Do not combine synonyms and related terms in the same box with AND.
There is no one correct way to combine search terms. You'll find yourself experimenting with different combinations.
3. Truncate keywords to retrieve various endings for your search terms. Truncation is great for pulling up both singular and plurals of your word.
Examples:
Keep looking at your results, particularly the subjects, for other keywords you can integrate into your searches. You may need to try different search combinations and to vary your search terms.
4. Phrase searches. Usually, you won't need to do this, but you may encounter a phrase that retrieves too many false hits. in this case, you may need to enclose your phrase with quotation marks to search the words as a phrase..
Examples:
You may see a specific Subject heading you want to search as a phrase.
Research will require patience, critical thinking, perseverance, and a sharp eye for clues. Like any detective, you might have to try to follow many different trails. Try various search combinations!
As you view the results of your research, your ideas for the content of your essay will evolve as you discover research findings, author points of view, and previously unknown aspects of your topic. Don't be like the grumpy TV police commander who wants to focus on one suspect (the wrong one) just to close the case quickly. He will only look at partial evidence and hearsay, then arrest the wrong person because of his preconceived notions.
You should be open to findings that contradict what you previously believed, see patterns that you hadn't known about like a thorough, successful detective who captures the right criminal in the end. If you find yourself with a list of arguments that you thought of before doing any research and you're trying to unsuccessfully force your research findings to fit your preconceived ideas, maybe you need to re-think your hypothesis and look at the evidence in front of you. The successful researchers/detectives will follow the research trail results and see where it leads them.