Science

Before you search

1. Identify keywords in your topic.
2. Choose the best database.
3. Use 1-2 words per search box.
4. Combine "keyword phrases" with AND.
5. Use limiters as needed (dates, scholarly (peer reviewed).
6. Evaluate your results by reading abstracts.
7. Look at subject terms assigned to a good article to focus search.
8. No full text? Use Journal Finder on Journals tab.
9. The Cite button will help with footnotes.

Database Searching Tutorials

The Research Process

1. Choose your topic & isolate potential keywords. Use synonyms.
2. Use your textbook & reference sources.
3. Determine what types of sources are needed & begin searching.
4. Evaluate the quality, quantity & relevance of your sources.
5. Be sure to cite any ideas you have used that are not your own.
6. Assess your results & refine as needed.

Searching the Catalog

To help you with your search, consider these search options listed in the drop-down menu:

• Author. Enter author's name: last name, first name. Ex. Patterson, James

• Title. Select this option when you have the title. Ex. 7 habits of highly effective people

• Subject. Enter one or two words that describes your topic. Ex. gun control or euthanasia

• Periodical Title.  Click here to find an article in a journal or periodical.

The Research Process

1. Choose your topic & isolate potential keywords. Use synonyms.
2. Use your textbook & reference sources.
3. Determine what types of sources are needed & begin searching.
4. Evaluate the quality, quantity & relevance of your sources.
5. Be sure to cite any ideas you have used that are not your own.
6. Assess your results & refine as needed.