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.
Source: Carol Kuhlthau
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.