Once you decide on a thesis, write down as many keywords and synonyms for the thesis subject as you can. These will be the words that you use in your searches. The more keywords that you search, the more information you will find.
During your research you will come across new keywords, keep a list of these and use them as you progress through your research.
During your research you will come across new keywords, keep a list of these and use them as you progress through your research.
You may need to perform multiple searches in each database to find the information that you need.
Use Boolean Operators to refine your search.
If your search term can be spelled multiple ways or is often misspelled, search those spellings.
Using the singular or truncated keyword will often yield items where both singular & plural form of the word is used.
When using a library’s catalog, make use of the often-clickable controlled vocabulary subject headings. You click on one and get a result list of all the materials held by the library on that specific subject.
If you find a good article on your topic, go to the bibliography/works cited. Search for those articles in your catalog or databases.
Sometimes one resource will lead you to other resources, such as copies of original resources and newspaper article citations.
If you get stuck, take a break, have a snack, and come back to it.
