Search Strategies
Mrs. Farquhar shows RSS students how to use effective search strategies when using Google. This will help you be more efficient in your research.
It is important to map out how you will go about searching for research materials on your topic prior to beginning your search. Here is an example of a search strategy worksheet that you may find helpful as you read through this page.
Steps for Creating a Search Strategy
1. Summarize your topic
2. Identify main concepts (keywords)
3. Identify synonyms, alternate words and/or related words
4. Try different combinations of keywords
Example: How does exposure to smokers affect children who have asthma?
What are the main concepts or keywords?
.....smoking, children, asthma
Think of synonyms, alternate words or/and related words.
.....secondhand smoke, smokers..... toddler, pediatric, child .... allergies, breathing problems
Develop your search strategy using the terms above.
Mix and match terms. If one keyword doesn't work, try to vary your keywords with synonyms.
Boolean Operators
Boolean operators help to narrow or broaden your search. The most useful are AND, OR, NOT which help to connect keywords or concepts.
Steps for Creating a Search Strategy
1. Summarize your topic
2. Identify main concepts (keywords)
3. Identify synonyms, alternate words and/or related words
4. Try different combinations of keywords
Example: How does exposure to smokers affect children who have asthma?
What are the main concepts or keywords?
.....smoking, children, asthma
Think of synonyms, alternate words or/and related words.
.....secondhand smoke, smokers..... toddler, pediatric, child .... allergies, breathing problems
Develop your search strategy using the terms above.
Mix and match terms. If one keyword doesn't work, try to vary your keywords with synonyms.
Boolean Operators
Boolean operators help to narrow or broaden your search. The most useful are AND, OR, NOT which help to connect keywords or concepts.
You can use more than one Boolean connector in the same search statement:
- Depression AND Teenagers OR Adolescents