Search

Before you begin

Research for a paper, project, or personal interest follows a predictable pattern. In 1991, Carol Kuhlthau suggested this be called the Information Search Process (ISP). The ISP divides the search process into six stages of information seeking behavior. At every stage, the searcher (that's you!) experiences distinct feelings, thoughts, and actions. Confusion, frustration, and doubt are completely normal feelings as you explore your topic. Ask your teacher or librarian if you need help getting out of this stage.



Where to start: Pre-search & Background

If you are looking for quick or background information, a general search is a great place to start. Even Wikipedia, which most teachers do not allow as a source, can be a place to gather some background knowledge, learn key terms, and find other sources. At the bottom of the Wikipedia page, go to References. Choose from the links and evaluate the source as you would any other.

Sometimes the number of results from Google can be overwhelming, and you can limit or expand your search results more effectively in the library's databases. If your database search isn't returning useful results, you may need to look outside of the databases until you build your background knowledge.

For example, if your research focus is on endangered gorillas, a quick Google search returns results of non-profit organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, and experts in the field, including Dian Fossey. Skimming these results will give you search terms for the databases, including:

  • gorilla conservation

  • World Wildlife Fund

  • Dian Fossey

Search Smarter on Google

When was the last time you thought about how you search Google? Look at this article for tips on how to search Google more effectively. Or try Google Advanced Search to expand or limit your search results.


Search with Keywords

A keyword is an important word or concept found in your research topic or thesis. You use a keyword or keywords to find information you need about a subject. Synonyms can be used as keywords to expand your search results.


How to generate keywords

Use the University of Texas Keyword Generator to come up with search terms. You can then use the search terms on any database.


Using the Gale Topic Finder

The Topic Finder is a feature of all Gale databases. It is a visual way to see the connections between search results. The results can be viewed as a wheel, or as tiles.


Search strategies

Developing: Use anywhere (web, databases, print sources, etc.)

  • Words, events, and themes that reoccur are clues to help you focus your research

  • Think of synonyms:

    • Tyrant: dictator, despot, oppressor

    • Hurricane: called a typhoon in the Northwest Pacific

  • Place names may have changed over time:

    • Mumbai was Bombay, Myanmar was Burma

Advanced: Use on databases or Google Advanced Searching

  • Limit publication dates (can also do this in the library catalog)

  • Search within search results

  • Find sources listed at the back of a useful article

  • Boolean searching: using “AND,” “OR,” & “NOT”

  • Truncation: uses an asterisk * at the end of the word, which allows you to pick up any ending

    • Teen* returns results for teen, teens, teenage, teenager, and teenagers


Boolean searching

Watch the two videos from McMaster Library for more on Boolean searching.