When you find an article in a database that is useful for your paper, look at the subject terms assigned for the document. You can click on any one of these and find all of the articles in the database with that same subject term.
Combining Search Terms
Combining Search Terms
Different authors use different words to describe similar concepts. When searching for information, it is best to use 2-3 concept keywords instead of your entire topic question or a sentence. The connecting words ("operators") used in computer searching are AND, OR, and NOT
Research Question : "Does fracking cause water pollution?"
- First underline the keywords
- Then begin generating synonyms and related words, from your background research, to help you develop a search strategy
| fracking | water | pollution |
| hydraulic fracturing | underground water | contamination |
| drilling for natural gas | aquifers | toxins |
| natural gas wells | wells | carcinogens |
| directional drilling | domestic water supply | flammable water |
- Use these terms when searching or use them to create a search phrase for a search box (even works with Google searching):
(fracking OR directional drilling) AND (aquifers OR wells OR water supply) AND (pollution OR toxins OR carcinogens)
Research Question : "What factors influence identity in multiracial adolescents?"
| identity | mutiracial | adolescents |
| self-concept | biracial | teen* |
| character | mixed race | youth |
(multiracial OR biracial) AND (identity OR self-concept) AND (adolescen* OR teen*)
Search Strategy Builder
Search Strategy Builder
Try it!