Once you have identified a topic, select the terms and phrases that are essential to understanding the topic.
When researching, we are like detectives trying to combine the right terms in the right place to find the information we need. The Gathering Information page will help you to decide where to search, but how should you combine search terms to find what you are looking for?
Broad Search
Search for information using the single most important term related to your topic. Use this type of search when looking for basic background information.
Specific Search
Search for information by combining key concepts using the words you have brainstormed. Each concept/word should be separated by the word "AND". Use this kind of search when looking for specific evidence related to your claim/thesis.
Getting Too Many Irrelevant Results?
Add more search terms.
Getting Too Few Relevant Results?
Change or remove some search terms.
These questions will help to transform your topic into a research question.
What is your topic?
What issues/concepts related to your topic do you need to understand better to develop a research question for your proposal?
What scholarly literature have you found related to these issues and concepts?
What gaps do you see in the scholarly literature related to your topic?
How can your research proposal address a gap in the scholarly literature?
Write a research question that, when answered, will help you to address that gap in the scholarly literature.
See the example below and use the blank worksheet to narrow the scope of your literature review:
Controlled Vocabulary: Specific terms used by databases to standardize meaning and organize resources.
Peer Reviewed Articles: Articles that have been evaluated by other professionals in the field to check for accuracy and adherence to disciplinary standards.
Primary Sources: Add definition specific to discipline area.
Scholarly Sources: Well researched sources that have been written for scholars, students, and experts in the discipline area.
Secondary Sources: Add definition specific to discipline area.
Research Articles: Articles that detail the original research of the authors including the purpose of the study, methodology, results, discussion of results, and references.
A concept map is a graphical tool used to organize and structure knowledge.
Created by Katherine Miller and Tom Childs for Douglas College Library. Creative Commons license Share Alike.
Created by Douglas College Library staff. Creative Commons license Share Alike.
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