Tip #1: Start Broad

For a broad search, try just one general concept. For example, "happiness". This will let you get a sense of what kinds of resources are available and give you clues as to how to limit your searching.

Tip #2: Narrow your search with subtopic keywords

Under "Advanced Search" start adding different subtopic keywords to start focusing your search. For example, "advertising AND children".

Tip #3: Try different search terms

Different people might think of the same topic differently. People might refer to advertising as "marketing" or even "commercials." Unless you search for these concepts specifically, the databases won't know that you may want to see them. Try searching as many different related terms as you can. Out of ideas for search terms? Do some background research (hint: it's ok to look up search ideas on Wikipedia).

Tip #4: String synonyms together with OR

If you have a lot of terms that basically mean the same thing (synonyms), you can save some key strokes and string them together with the word OR. Just remember: "OR means MORE." If you have too many results, try removing some of your terms.

Problem #1: Too many results.

Tip #1: Narrow down by adding related concepts separated by the word "AND".

For example, try searching "advertising AND emotion"

Tip #2: Narrow down by removing any synonyms separated by the word "OR".

For example, for a search of "advertisement OR marketing" try searching just "marketing"

Tip #3: Limit by source type on the left side of the screen.

For example, try searching for just "books".

Problem #2: Not enough results.

Tip #1: Add synonyms separated by the keyword "OR"

For example, try searching "advertisement OR marketing"

Tip #2: Remove or change any words separated by the word "AND"

Tip #3: Check spelling

Problem #3: Out of search ideas.

Tip #1: Try going back to your background research. Read a different article from a different source or look through their citation lists.

Tip #2: Ask a librarian for help. You can email me at ashyrokova@fullcoll.edu. Or chat with us at https://library.fullcoll.edu/remote-instruction/.

Problem #4: Can't find the whole article.

Tip #1: Once you've clicked on the article you should be able to see it by scrolling down or by clicking on the "HTML Full Text" or "PDF Full Text" links on the left-side of the screen.

Tip #2: If you cannot find the "HTML Full Text" or "PDF Full Text" links, it is possible that there has been an error with OneSearch. Please let a librarian know. You can email me at ashyrokova@fullcoll.edu. Or chat with us at https://library.fullcoll.edu/remote-instruction/.