Create A Search
Create A Search
Use this worksheet to work through the process of creating a search strategy from your topic.
and and
or or
Search Creation Chart 3 (combine synonyms with OR; group synonyms with parentheses):
( or ) and ( or )
Note: only use parentheses around two+ synonyms when combining them with other keywords using AND.
Tips:
AND to combine different concepts (elderly and depression)
OR to combine synonyms or words with similar meanings (education or learning or
pedagogy)
Double quotes around phrases of 2+ words ("United States")
Use dictionaries, thesauri & specialized encyclopedias to expand your list of keywords
Searching is a trial & error process: if one search strategy doesn't work, try another!
Example:
Topic: What is the impact of global warming on polar bears?
Key words: global warming, polar bears
Synonyms: climate change, Ursus maritimus
Concept map 1: "global warming" and "polar bear" and habitat
Concept map 2: "global warming" or "climate change" or "melting ice cap"
Concept map 3: ("global warming" or "climate change") and ("polar bear" or "Ursus maritimus")