Research and Course Guides: Daniel High School AP Research & AP Seminar: Search strategies

Search Strategies

Search using keywords
If keywords aren't working, think about synonyms
Most databases include an Advanced Search
- Use this to dial in your search
- Include keywords, author & title, etc.
- Publication Types (peer-reviewed articles)
- Publication date
After searching, narrow your results using facets/filters
- Usually found left of search results

Use filters & facets to make sure your results are producing peer reviewed articles

Note: not all facet/filter options for peer review will look the same.

See examples right.

Put parentheses around words searched as a phrase: "social media" "income tax"
Use the wildcard symbol * to allow for alternate word endings: teen* will find teen, teenager, teenagers, and teens
Use synonyms and related terms. Put them in a separate search box together, putting the word OR between each term: teen* OR adolescen* OR "young adult*"
(Note: we have online thesauri and dictionaries to help you find synonyms if the databases don't suggest any)
Start with a narrow search, but be willing to broaden it if you don't get the kind of results you want. [Photo: Dan Schofield]

Specific: "blue ringed octopus" AND "Great Barrier Reef" AND "spiny lobster"
More general: "blue ringed octopus" AND "Great Barrier Reef" AND (diet or prey)
More general still: "blue ringed octopus" AND (diet or prey)