A good research question…

• Does not have a clear, simple answer
• Is free of bias
• Requires original research or data analysis to answer
• Advances your knowledge

Keep in mind…

• What you already know about the topic
• What foundational or background knowledge you may need before you can ask good questions
• What you want to know

A search statement is your research question translated into a format the database can understand.

Keywords

Create a list of keywords associated with your topic. Consider what else it could be called (synonyms). Many times experts are using different terminology than us. Keep an eye out for new terms you find while researching.

Infographic Credit: Kimberly Larsen

Topics can be narrowed or broadened depending on the use of search terms. Some examples:

General: Mental Health

Narrower: Mental Illness

Broader: Stress Management

General: Climate Change

Narrower: Global Warming

Broader: Environmental Aspects

To get started, visit the databases page provided in this guide. The timeline below offers a guide for prioritizing which sources to search first.

Infographic Credit: Kimberly Larsen

Infographic Credit: Kimberly Larsen

Incorporate keywords from your search statement, apply Boolean operators, and use filters or limiters to narrow down your search results.

Infographic Credit: Kimberly Larsen

Exact Phrase Searching

Add Quotation Marks for multiple keywords that make up a phrase to search for the term in a specific or exact order. This narrows your search and provides more specific and relevant resources.

Examples: climate change vs. “climate change” or mental health vs. "mental health"

Filters or Limiters

Most library search tools allow you to filter or limit your search results to help narrow down the list of results you get. Just like shopping online, you can use filters to help you have fewer results to sort through.

Common filters to use are:

• Date: Limit to a specific date range or "published within the last x number of years"
• Source Type: Limit to academic/scholarly sources or any other type, such as news, books, eBooks
• Peer Review: Limit to scholarly sources that have been peer reviewed

Need assistance with your research or writing? Schedule a consultation with your subject librarian for expert help, and don't forget to visit the writing center for additional support.