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Eng 152 Database Searching

This guide includes information to help students perform database searching effectively and efficiently. Topics include using keywords, subject terms, and boolean searching, and other tips for finding, saving, and citing information from the library datab

Searching with Keywords

  • Select the main ideas, most important concepts of your research question/thesis statement
  • Eliminate unimportant, general terms (influence on, effects of, programs, etc.)
  • Do not enter your search as a question

             Example of research question: Do education programs in prisons decrease the

       recidivism rates of the incarcerated?

             Keywords: education prisons recidivism incarcerated

              What makes younger audiences more addicted to gambling?

               Keywords: gambling addiction youth (or teens or adolescents or young people)