Watch this brief video to see how complex search strategies may work for a research topic.
Courtesy of the NCSU Libraries CC 3.0 BY-NC-SA
When searching in a database or one of the library's search tools you want to structure your search differently than you would in a regular web search (like Google or Bing). Instead of typing in your research question, try formatting it in a way similar to the example below.
Example: You want to search for articles on the stresses experienced by first-generation college students. Try using the following search:
This search incorporates three techniques: keywords, punctuation marks, and boolean operators. See the boxes below for more details.
Key words are a series of words or short phrases that describe your topic.
Synonyms
In the search example above, articles could use either word -- college or university. There are ways to include both in your search.
Phrases
When you include phrases in your search you are telling the database that you want those words in a specific order.
Truncation
Where you want multiple words that start with the same series of letters, you can use truncation symbols to include all of these word in your search.
See the boxes below to learn how to put it all together.
In the search above there are a few techniques employed:
In the search above we also use connector words known as Boolean Operators. Each of these has a specific function when you include it in your search.
What key terms will you use in searching to help answer this question?
General, Related Words: Synonyms:
_____________________________ _______________________________
_____________________________ _______________________________
Books: provide most detailed background information
Articles: for more current or specific information.
Search relevant databases using the keywords you came up with, combining synonyms:
( _____________________ OR _____________________ OR ____________________ )
AND
( _____________________ OR _____________________ OR ____________________ )
Web Resources: Great research resources: current government research published only on the web. But be careful: anyone can put up a web page so ask yourself if the site is reliable and accurate: evaluate the information you find.
Other Types of Information: Statistics, a public opinion poll, maps, photographs, an expert or knowledgeable individuals, an almanac, etc.