These search strategies can help you in any database you use. Using the right keywords can affect how relevant your results are.
- Search with specific keywords (not questions or long phrases).
- Search 2-3 keywords at a time. Each keyword you add will reduce your results.
- Use quotation marks around words you want to search as a complete phrase ("social conflict theory").
- Limiters: always use the Full Text limiter. Use the Peer Reviewed limiter if that is the kind of information you need. You can also adjust the date range to get the most current articles.
- Number of results: Strive for no more than 200 hundred results. If you have more than that, try revising your search. You want a list of results that is manageable so you can look through them all.
Types of Databases
- Article databases: Use when you want to find popular or scholarly articles.
- eBook databases: Use when you want to find a lot of information about your topic all in one place.
- Newspaper databases: Use historical newspaper articles as primary sources.
