Search Strategies for Finding Articles in Library Databases
Use keywords, synonyms/related concepts, truncation and subject terms:
1. Relevant keywords are necessary for effective research. You can start by taking keywords directly from your thesis statement or research question:
2. Use synonyms and related concepts:
Examples:
3. Use truncation:
You can broaden your search results by typing an asterisk symbol * at end of the root of a word. When you do this, the database will search for alternative endings for that word.
Example:
Typing protest* will include results for the words
protests protesting protested protesters
4. Use subject terms from articles in your search results:
When you find an article, look at the subject terms that appear under the title. Can you use any of those terms?
