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1.
Select a Topic
2.
Find Background Information
3.
Identify Search Terms
4.
Know What Types of Sources You Need to Find
5.
Search for Sources of Information
6.
Evaluate Your Sources
7.
Cite Your Sources |
The terms/phrases you use in online searching will
determine the quality and quantity of the information you find.
Also, most library databases require specific search terms (not
sentences). Following these tips should prove useful:
-
Write your topic as a question(s) so that you can focus on
the information you need to find. For example, "How
do genetically modified foods affect peoples' health and the
environment?"
-
Brainstorm before you begin searching and break your topic
into main ideas or key concepts. In our example, the key concepts
are 1) genetically modified foods, 2) health,
and 3) environment.
-
Be sure to think of synonymous terms (genetically altered
foods) for each concept as well as broader (genetic
engineering) and narrower terms (genetically
modified corn).
-
Think of popular phrases that refer to your topic, for example,
biotech foods, frankenfoods,
etc.
-
As you research progresses, you will discover new term(s)
for improving your search results.
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