ENG 350 - Tigchelaar: Search Strategies

  Tips for Upper-level Students

• Problem: you are using all of the advanced search options, but you're not finding enough results.
• Solution: It's better to start wide/general and then use options and filters to narrow your search results.

• Problem: there are several ways to construct your search. 
• Solution: Always write down any synonyms for your search terms and simply try combinations of those terms.
  • The author of a publication may be using a certain term or jargon, while you are searching for another one. Example: "punch drunk syndrome" versus "CTE" or "Chronic traumatic encephalopathy"
  • It is important to try several searches with similar terms because databases might not automatically understand it.
  • Use Advanced Search option Boolean operator "or" to expand your search:

• Problem: you only have so much time to do research!
• Solution: look for Help options within the databases that can increase the efficiency of your search

• Problem: You have done several different searches, and now you've lost track of what you've looked for and what you haven't.
• Related: you forgot to save an article that now you think may be useful, and you're having trouble finding it again. 
• Solution: look for options like "Search History." Or, create database accounts and be dilligent about logging in and saving articles.