A search strategy is the combination of words you use to find articles on your topic in a database. This example uses Academic Search Complete.
Sample question: What is the cost to remediate climate change?
Initial search strategy: cost and remediate and climate change
After some testing, here's a better search strategy: "Climate change" and cost analysis
Text-only database tips:
- Start your database search with keywords from your research question. You can then refine your search as you skim and learn new keywords. Enter your keywords in the search field at the top of the webpage.
- Limit to up-to-date articles. As a rule, aim for articles no older than 10 years. Select your desired publication date(s) from the drop-down menu below the search field.
- Limit to Academic journals to help focus. You'll still need to examine articles to make sure they're scientific and research-length. Select your desired source type from the drop-down menu below the search field.
