Finding the right words
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The document outlines strategies for conducting research effectively, emphasizing the importance of understanding terminology related to the topic. It recommends reading various sources in a specific order, using keyword and subject heading searches, and provides tips for refining search results. The document also suggests techniques for organizing and comparing search results for better outcomes.
Finding the right words
- 1. Searching for the right words ENGL 100U: The Research Process Spring 2008 W. Sellors
- 6. Learn the lingo READ widely about your topic – preferably in the following order: CQ Researcher Subject-specific encyclopedias, books Magazine, newspaper, and journal articles Professional, government, and academic web sites While you read, make a list of the words used to talk about your topic
- 7. Putting your word list to work…
- 8. Key word searching Key word searches find sources in which your search word(s) appears somewhere
- 10. Streams Brooks Creeks Rivers Etcetera…
- 18. Subject headings Subject headings bring resources ABOUT the same subject together under a master heading Unlike key words, subject headings ensure that the source is ABOUT the topic In most library catalogs and databases, these headings are selected by people
- 22. Remember, You Need a BOOK
- 24. Advanced Search
- 25. AND vs. OR Use OR to join similar terms so that your search returns results with ANY of those words Use AND to combine terms that describe different aspects of your topic so that your search returns results with ALL of those words OR increases the number of search results AND decreases the number of search results
- 27. Search Tips Get out your word list Skip the search box on the library home page Instead, click on “UR Library Catalog” Start with a “Subject Heading Keyword” search, putting phrases in “”
- 28. Search Tips Too many results? If you searched for one word (pollution) or two words without “” (water pollution), try using “” (“water pollution”) or + (+rivers +pollution) Click on the Advanced Search tab so that you can combine subject heading keyword and key word anywhere searching
- 29. Search Tips Too few results? Shorten your search phrase – one or two words usually work best in a relatively small database like the UR catalog Switch to a Keyword ALL search Look at the detailed records of a few relevant results and click on the subject headings Try other words from your list
- 30. In those notes you’re taking… Highlight the subject headings Draw a diagram of the words to show which ones are narrower terms for others Re-search , comparing the results you get using various words and phrases until you find the most effective combinations
- 32. Image Sources Armstrong, Paul. “Headache” and “Right Back At Cha.” 7 Feb. 2007. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/wiseacre/>. Durron, Questa. “Padme and the Crystal Ball.” 7 Feb. 2007. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/questa>. Group of fireflies. 11 Oct. 2006. <http://www.painetworks.com/photos/ii/ii2026.JPG>. Glowing firefly. 11 Oct. 2006. <http://www.worldbook.com>. Ploughman, Lars. “A Dark Age for Yellow Pages.” 7 Feb. 2007. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/criminalintent/94440474/>. Sandisk Cruzer flash drive. 11 Oct. 2006. <http://www.bestbuy.com>. Stream. 11 Oct. 2006. <http://mooe.smugmug.com/keyword/all/stream/1/96509635>. Williams, Malik. “Frustration” and “Hard Work. 7 Feb. 2007. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/brothaloveimages/>.