STEP 1: SUMMARIZE TOPIC

Before searching in catalogs, databases or the Web, you should clarify what information you need. Clearly state your topic in one or two sentences. Be as specific as possible.

Examples:

I want to find information on how home schooling affects social development.

I want to investigate the seasonal patterns in the vertical distribution of phytoplankton.

STEP 2: IDENTIFY CONCEPTS

Underline or number the main concepts represented in the topic summary completed above. Concepts are the different ideas which make up each unique search topic. Most topics can be broken down into two or three main concepts.

Examples:

I want to find information on how home schooling affects social development.

I want to investigate the seasonal patterns in the vertical distribution of phytoplankton.

STEP 3: SELECT CONCEPT WORDS AND PHRASES

1. In the Your Search Topic section below, create a list of important words or phrases which describes each of your numbered concepts identified in Step 2. In making a list of keywords, consider the following:

2. Use words and phrases likely to appear in the title, abstract (summary) or full text of literature you are attempting to retrieve. Sometimes there is more than one way to say something. Try to think of synonyms or variant forms of the words since a variety of words and phrases could be used to describe the same concept.

3. Use "controlled" words and phrases. Most databases offer an online thesaurus to guide you to the best search terms in a subject.

4. Consider relationships within a concept. Are you interested in a particular country or is a broader region acceptable? Do you want your research to focus on men or women or children? A certain ethnic or cultural group? A certain industry? Use these keywords to put your search in context.

5. Use word truncation. Examine each keyword to see if it can be truncated with a symbol (most databases use * or #) to retrieve all variant forms after its "root" form, such as plurals. For example, prevent* will retrieve prevention, preventing, prevented, or prevents. To find the correct truncation symbol, consult the help section in the database you will be using.

Sample Search Topic:

STEP 4: CONNECT WORDS AND CONCEPTS

Use logical (Boolean) operators -- OR, AND, NOT -- to connect the words/phrases and concepts which you have listed in Your Search Topic above. Follow Steps A and B below.

STEP 5: BUILD UP YOUR SEARCH

Use a "building block" approach to searching if the database you are searching allows for it. Enter each of your concepts individually by putting together the list of synonymous keywords you have created using OR, e.g., socialization or social development or social skill*. After each of your concepts has been entered use the database "Search History" feature, if available, use AND to put together each of the concepts.

Employing this approach allows you to:

1. add new keywords you have identified

2. try different concept combinations using the AND connector, such as:
   concept 1 AND concept 2 AND concept 3
   concept 1 AND concept 3
   concept 3 AND concept 2

Many databases will offer you subject headings (or descriptors) to help you narrow your search. Take advantage of these suggestions, and keep your mind open when you search.
Each database offers different articles, so when you think you’ve exhausted one database with your search strategy, try using the same terms and strategy in a new database. Your research options are endless.

Adapted with permission from “Search Strategy Worksheet,” by Martha Johansen, Humboldt State University Library.  http://library.humboldt.edu/infoservices/sstrawrksht.htm