LIGN 143: The Structure of Spanish: Search Technique

1. Do your search with your search terms only. Don't use any filters yet.

• You want to start broad with as many related results as possible, then you can start narrowing them down.

3. Scan the results looking at titles and the bits of abstract you can see.

• You are looking at the areas where your terms are highlighted to see in what context they are talking about your terms.
• My personal strategy: if you don't find at least 2-3 good articles on the first page, go back to your search terms and see where some adjustments can be made.
• Keep track of what you do see represented in the results and what is missing that you are looking for. Find those breadcrumbs that can give you clues on where to go/what to do next.

4. If you do find a good article, click the title to view the full abstract. Read it to see if it's related to your topic. Also look at  the subject headings listed.

• Are there other words you should be searching instead?

If you don't find any good articles:

• Are you in the right database for that topic?
• Do you need to adjust your search terms?
  • You can use the SUBJECT filter to see what subjects are represented in your results. (click MORE to get more subject options) This could also give you more ideas of terms.

1. No search gives you bad results.

• Though you may not find exactly what you are looking for, each search will give you instructions on how to fix it to improve your results. You are looking more for breadcrumbs than you are looking for exact results.
  • Look at your results not just for what's there, but also what's missing. Think about how you can amend your terms to add that piece in there. Maybe you need to add another search term that clarifies what aspect of the general topic you want.
  • If an article is almost what you're looking for, but not quite, take a look at the subject terms to see if any could be useful.
  • Are there variables in those other articles that maybe you didn't think of, but would be valid to add to your topic?

2. Google it!

• Googling (or Google Scholaring) your search terms is a great way to find other versions or synonyms for your terms. Many times, I have found out that I was thinking about something in a different way than I needed to to choose the correct term to search.

3. Chunking

• You should be starting with a broad search. Feel free to first put all the pieces of your topic in a search to see if anything comes up, but it's more likely that you will chunk your topic together in different ways to put the pieces of your research puzzle together.
  • ex. social media use of teenagers and its effect on body image
    • I might search for:
      • social media use AND teenagers
      • social media use AND body image
      • body image AND teenagers

• It may be helpful to map out your topic and possible search terms