Print this blank Search Planner form and use it to develop a search strategy before using an electronic periodical index or database.
Step 1: State your topic
Write a brief statement or question. |
Step 2: Identify concepts and develop terms
Identify major concepts or main ideas of your statement. Many times you will have a combination of two or three major concepts.
For each concept, generate a list of keywords, synonyms, related terms, and descriptors or subject headings.
Combine terminology with Boolean logic. The operator OR groups terms that reflect the same concept; enter like terms within a single row. The operator AND combines concepts; each new concept belongs in its own row. |
| Concept #1 |
|
OR |
|
OR |
|
OR |
|
| AND |
| Concept #2 |
|
OR |
|
OR |
|
OR |
|
| AND |
| Concept #3 |
|
OR |
|
OR |
|
OR |
|
|
Step 3: Identify appropriate databases to search for your topic.
Select databases by subject or by type or ask a reference librarian for help.
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Step 4: Limit your search to focus or narrow your results.
Examples of limit options:
| Date of publication |
Intended audience |
Population group studied |
| Language of publication |
Publication type |
Full text in current database |
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Step 5: Implement your search strategy into your selected databases.
Evaluate your results and modify search strategy as needed. |
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