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Fundamental Research Skills

Effective Searching

Planning a search strategy

  • start with an appropriate database in the A-Z list of databases (linked in the page footer)
  • the librarians recommend starting with the ProQuest Central collection
  • go to the Advanced Search page
  • break the topic into keywords and short phrases
  • enclose phrases in quotation marks to keep words together
  • make sure the full text box is checked
  • use other search options as necessary

Effective Searches

Using Truncation - requires fewer searches.

Use truncation when there is a common root prefix.

  • child* = child, childish, children
  • combine with your topic in a search

Using Proximity  - increases the relevancy

Place phrases in quotation marks to keep the words together in a search,

  • "United States"
  • "Climate Change"\

Using Brackets - links similar terms in one search with OR

Use when you have synonyms and alternate terms

  • ("nutrition* education" OR "dietetics education")

A practical search uses:

  • keywords  and phrases linked with AND/OR/NOT
  • search, field and results limiters
  • proximity quotes “ ”
  • truncation symbols*
  • alternate keywords (synonyms)
  • brackets ( ) to link terms and phrases
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