Keywords

Problem: "I get too many results."

Solution: Make your search query more specific.

If you want information about Benjamin Franklin's life, search for "benjamin franklin" instead of franklin (since results about cities, colleges, or companies called "Franklin" aren't going to help you). To narrow it down even further, try adding biograph* (to find "biographies" or "biographical" info about Benjamin Franklin).

Problem: "There's no information on my topic."

Solution: Broaden your search.

First, check your search query for typos. If there aren't any, your terms might be too specific. For instance, "north carolina" and immigration and ("18th century" or 1700s) is probably a more effective search than new immigrants wilmington 1765. Why? Because sources about NC immigration in the 18th century will include information about people moving to Wilmington in 1765, but the more specific search would miss valuable results about trends in the eastern NC region or a population spike in 1766.

Problem: "I can't find the answer to my research question."

Solution: Focus your search on the information you need.

When trying to answer a research question, your objective is to combine information from various sources to make your point, not to find the answer already written for you. So instead of how does hip hop dance affect heart rate?, try dance and health or aerobic activity and (heart or cardiac).

The more precise your keywords, the more relevant your results will be. The following table provides two example topics and some associated keywords. (Use quotation marks to search for phrases.)