Searching - Don't Take Notes Yet

First you need to find the best sources of information to take notes from. In this stage, you'll create a list of possible sources with a rating identifying which sources are the best.

If you will search using a computer, you need to be efficient.

How to Search - Searching Efficiently

There are three stages to searching databases or the Internet efficiently.

1 - Make a Keyword List - What are you looking for?

Make a list of each of the main ideas (word or short phrase) for your topic. Brainstorm synonyms for each idea.

For example, if the topic is Violence on Television, the keyword list could include:

  • violence
  • television
  • children or youth
  • effect
  • media awareness
  • psychology
  • tv ratings
  • long term study
  • etc.

2 - Pick the best database or search engine for your needs

There's two different types of on-line sources: databases and websites. Databases provide a reliable source of information and should be checked first.

Databases

Here's just a few on-line databases to try.

Internet Search Engines

Not all search engines are created equal. Some are much better for certain tasks than others. Debbie Abilock has compiled a list of search engines and what they're good for on the Noodle Tools website.

3 - Be specific - efficient searching techniques

Databases

  1. Read through and choose the best databases, first.
  2. If you can, choose to view only articles which have the full text available. Getting titles and summaries of articles which you cannot read is useless.
  3. Enter 1 keyword per search box and change it to search subject terms. This will get rid of articles that simply used the word once in unrelated text.

More detailed instructions on how to use Ebsco and Thompson-Gale are available.

Internet

For some quick hints, click here. Or check out the tutorials by The University of South Carolina on searching the Internet called Bare Bones 101. For example, you'll learn how to use quotes, Boolean terms (AND, OR and NOT), and look in the titles of webpages for your keywords.

Next > Skimming

Last updated: April 4, 2008