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CHLS 104 - Shaver Fall 2020: Research Strategy Tips

Create a Search Strategy

Explore information in a database by creating a search strategy!

In addition to a keyword search, you can use the following ways to gather information:

  • Boolean Operators
  • Truncation (*)
  • Adjacency also known as forced phrase command

 

Tip: You can use all, one, two, a combination of all three to broaden or narrow your search. It's up to you!

Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT)

Boolean Operators connect various pieces of information to find exactly what you're looking for:

AND= narrows your set of results

OR=broadens your set of results

NOT=narrows your set of results by ignoring concepts that may turn up in your search results

Truncation (*)

Truncation (*) broadens your search to include various word endings and spellings you may not have thought of in your keyword search. Use an asterisk (*) at the end of a root word

Adjacency or forced phrase command

Adjacency, also known as forced phrase command, narrows your search by ordering the database to ONLY search for your specific phrase, in the same words and order that is in between the double quotes displayed in your search box. Use double quotation marks at the beginning and end of the keywords.

Examples:

"day of the dead"

"consumer spending"

"labor relations"

"bilingual education"

Research Strategy Tips ( Boolean, Truncation, Adjacency) Video