Skip to Main Content

Mechanics of the Research Process

Welcome to the Mechanics of the Research Process research guide.

Keyword Searching

Keyword Search Rules for the Library Catalog and Databases


Using AND/OR/NOT (Boolean Search Operators)
AND

Use AND to focus search and combine different aspects of your topic.

Example: vegetarianism and environment
OR
 

Use OR to expand your search and find synonyms/related terms.

Example: global warming or climate change
NOT

Use NOT to exclude a word or phrase from your search

Example: emissions trading not United States

 


Additional Search Tips

"Phrase search"  - Use quotation marks" " to search for a particular phrase.

Example: "greenhouse gas emissions"

    Truncation * - Use an asterisk to find variations of a word. Put an asterisk following the root of the word to find all variations of that word, including singular and plural.

    Example: environment* (finds environments, environmental, environmentalist, etc.)

      (Grouping/Nesting Keywords) - Use parentheses ( ) as a way to group all your search terms together.

      Example: (climate change or global warming) and population growth

        Identifying Keywords

        Before you can begin searching for information in a print or online resource, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:

        • Your initial research questions
        • Encyclopedia and other articles used when conducting background research
        • Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

        If you are still struggling, then try these suggestions:

        • Use a thesaurus (Microsoft Office, print or online) to identify synonyms
        • Find pictures related to your topic, then describe the picture
        • Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend

        Exercises

        Need some help identifying keywords? Try the attached exercises.