Whether you are searching for scholarly or popular articles in a library database, it pays to be organized as you start your search. Break down searching into a three step process.
STEP 1
Write down as much information about your topic as possible. (You can use encyclopedias and other reference books to help gather background information). Answer the following questions:
Then, try to summarize what you are looking for in one or two sentences.
EXAMPLE: Can fermented foods improve health?
STEP 2
Using the information in Step 1, list the main concepts of your topic.
EXAMPLE: fermented food, health
STEP 3
Now create a list of synonyms of your key concepts. Think broadly, think narrowly! This step is helping you expand your search by expressing your query in a variety of ways. If you get too many results, then you can work on focusing your search.
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"fermented food*"
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health
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"heart disease" diabetes gut *=Wildcard; can be used to search for variations |
You will use the word lists you developed in Step 3 to create search strategies. Use "OR" between synonyms and "AND" between concepts. For instance:
"fermented food*" AND (health) AND ("heart disease OR diabetes)
