Super User
Super User
Finding & Critiquing Articles
Finding & Critiquing Articles
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You can "Google" search and always find something, but is it the best? Build your super user skills with our tips, tools, & resources below!
Constructing a Good Search
Constructing a Good Search
Tip #1: Start by Concept Mapping Your Topic
Tip #1: Start by Concept Mapping Your Topic
Taking just 2 minutes to plan your search can make your searches more precise and lead to finding more relevant literature!
Taking just 2 minutes to plan your search can make your searches more precise and lead to finding more relevant literature!
To Get Started:
To Get Started:
Watch this quick video that walks you through an example of concept mapping a topic into a search!
Download the concept map template below to get started!
Search Concept Map - Template.docxLarge Main Circle = identify your topic/question
Theme Circles = break your topic into 2 or 3 themes that you wish to search
Keyword Circles = brainstorm synonyms for each theme as there may be multiple ways to say the same thing (e.g., I say potato, you say potato!)
Tip #2: Add Super Searcher Secrets
Tip #2: Add Super Searcher Secrets
These tips are universal so once you build your search, you can copy/paste it into multiple resources.
Make Advanced Search your Default
Make Advanced Search your Default
We all tend to Google search everywhere by just typing in a few keywords in a main search box.
Use Advanced Search when conducting more concise and comprehensive searches. It helps you:
translate your concept map (see above) into a database search
gives you more control over what fields to search (title, abstract, etc.)
Use Connector Terms (AND, OR, NOT)
Use Connector Terms (AND, OR, NOT)
AND - searches for ALL terms and is the default
e.g., depression AND military personnel searches for articles with both terms
OR - searches for ANY terms; good for synonyms
e.g., texting OR text messaging OR SMS searches for any articles that contain one of these terms
NOT - removes terms
e.g., autism NOT Asperger removes Asperger from the search
Use "Find that Root" (*)
Use "Find that Root" (*)
Use an asterisk (*) at the end of a term to search for all variations on that root term
e.g., depress* = depress, depressed, depression, major depressive disorder
Apply Search Limits/Filters
Apply Search Limits/Filters
All databases have some sort of search filters that can help you quickly narrow your results. Try:
Language
Publication Years
Country/Geography
Age
Methodology/Article Type
Tip #3: Use a Thesaurus to Add 'Agreed Upon' Terms
Tip #3: Use a Thesaurus to Add 'Agreed Upon' Terms
A thesaurus is a directory of descriptive subject terms assigned to resources that make them easier to find. Learn more through in our Using a Thesaurus guide!
Image Credits: Online Certificate, The Noun Project (CCBY)Critical Thinking, The Noun Project (CCBY)
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