The Crucible Research
Where to begin?
Research is a puzzle.
The inquiry process can help give you some direction as you explore the resources shared below and develop your project.
Tips for database searching
1) Use Keywords - Basic words necessary to express your topic/idea
2) Boolean search indicators (AND, OR, NOT)
AND - combines keywords
OR - alternative wording
NOT - search for specific keywords, eliminating alternative wording
3) Add truncation as needed
( ) Use parentheses to create groups of words linked together with OR
* Use an asterisk (sometimes called a “wildcard”) to search a word that can end multiple ways
“ “ Use quotation marks to search for a phrase (the words must appear in the article exactly as they appear in quotes)
Not Getting the Results You Wanted?
Too few results?
Did you try different keywords?
Try adding/removing quotations?
Try a different database?
If you were able to find one or two articles you can use, check out the subject headings for additional keywords to modify your search.
too many results?
Try using the search filters to narrow your search results (pub date, type of article, etc).
Is there an aspect of your topic you can add to your search?
Play around with the "advanced search" fields and keywords
results not relevant?
If your results are on a different topic, think of ways to differentiate your topic - try adding more keywords or using a phrase in quotes.
If you were able to find one or two articles you can use, check out the subject headings for additional keywords to modify your search.
Too few results?
Did you try different keywords?
Try adding/removing quotations?
Try a different database?
If you were able to find one or two articles you can use, check out the subject headings for additional keywords to modify your search.
too many results?
Try using the search filters to narrow your search results (pub date, type of article, etc).
Is there an aspect of your topic you can add to your search?
Play around with the "advanced search" fields and keywords
results not relevant?
If your results are on a different topic, think of ways to differentiate your topic - try adding more keywords or using a phrase in quotes.
If you were able to find one or two articles you can use, check out the subject headings for additional keywords to modify your search.
MLA Citation help
Mrs. M demonstrates how to use the My Bib extension.