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Research 101

Searching for Sources

The starting point of your search depends on where you are in your research process. 

Not all research projects begin with a destination in mind. Start by browsing the readily available, subject-specific resources on a topic. To generate ideas, describe your topic in detail. 

  • Build from prior knowledge
  • List relevant keywords 
    • use a controlled vocabulary
  • Identify characteristics of your desired sources
    • rank if possible
  • Change if needed and try again

Not ready yet? Revisit the Research Questions page of this guide if needed.

Known-Item Searching is the process of identifying what you need to know and looking for information that you know exists. To guide your efforts, consider how you plan to find and use information. 

  • Filter out irrelevant results
  • Strategize for inquiry and investigation
  • Consider trade-offs of the content and scope of potential sources
  • Develop formulas for generating results

How to search

📋 Objective: Develop a search strategy. Prioritize what information you are looking for and then plan how to find it. Ask questions related to your main inquiry, then answer them with the information found in your sources.

1. Choose a subject​

Most resources are organized by academic discipline or subject. This can help to find sources easily and quickly by ensuring that search results have some relationship to your topic.

2. Identify your information type​

Consider what type of information is needed; such as data, facts, or summaries. Select categories of sources that contain it. Advanced search options often include format or research type.

3. Decide what you don't want or need​

Identify what makes research material irrelevant and avoid it. Advanced search provides options for users to limit results with filters. "NOT" narrows results by excluding terms.

4. Survey available sources

Check out what is available in the place where you are searching, such as Cressman Library, ILL, or online. Take into account the resources and skills needed to access research materials.

Database Searching 101 

Start with Strong Keywords

Keywords are search terms describe a central topic, concept, or theory to your research.

  • Use 2 - 4 keywords per search
  • Broader and more general words generate more results  
    • ex: "birds of prey" as compared to "raptors"
  • Narrower and more specific words generate fewer results
    • ex: "red-tailed hawk" as compared to "peregrine falcon"

Boolean search

Boolean search is the algorithm that databases use to generate results based on search terms. For most databases, the default setting adds AND between search terms. 

AND OR NOT
Search Functions

Find all of these terms

Find any of these terms

Exclude these terms
Search Results Narrow your search Broaden your search Narrow your search

Filters

Search filters, or limiters, are tools that limit search results based on certain criteria. Filters are a database tool that tells the search engine to exclude or include results matching your search terms. These can also be used as search terms, but generate better results when used as filters.

  • date range
  • format
  • language

 

  • document type (format/ classification of document)
  • location (where the material was created)
  • publication type (format/ classification of publication)
  • subject (library classification) 

 

Use these strategies when you haven't found enough information.

 

  • Search somewhere else. The place where you are searching may not contain enough related research. Try another database or request material from another library.
  • Reduce limiters. Search filters vary in sensitivity. with the goal of generating an exact match. 
  • Substitute similar keywords. Search engines try to find an exact match to the words used. Specific terms exclude results, general terms include a larger range of subjects.
  • Try truncation. Truncation applies an asterisk(*) at the root of a word. This search command tells the algorithm to include related terms. 

Try these techniques when the search results don't align with your source criteria.

  • Base yourself on the best match. Identify the source that most closely meets your research needs. Search for materials that are similar to it. 
  • Choose key qualities. Differentiate between source criteria that is essential and ideal. 
  • Rank by relevance. Sort results so those that strongly match your criteria are listed first. 
  • Use specialized resources. Searching in a location that is too general may not contain or make it difficult to find the type of research material that you need. Subject-specific resources, like databases, are often a better option. 

Approach research in a different way when your search strategy isn't working.

  • Reconsider your purpose. Examine if your research plan is feasible. Engage with your sources from a different position.
  • Open to other perspectives. Use a different methodology or seek additional outlets.
  • Explore other formats. Check out non-traditional sources that are still acceptable for your research or help you learn in another way.

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