Pat's Research Guide: Searching Hints

If using a database for the first time try using the Advanced Search Feature. Many databases have unique approaches to what their search boxes should look like in their regular search mode. I find that most databases have an Advanced Search feature which usually resembles the default search option in EBSCOhost Databases. I find the Advanced Search feature in most databases the easiest to use if you are familiar with the search screen in EBSCOhost.

Using the Internet For Research

Determining the truthfulness and accuracy of the website.

• Who owns or sponsors the website?
• Are you able to tell if the author has any expertise in the area they are writing about?
• Is the information clear and well written? Does it read like an expert had written it?
• Does the information you found on the website refer to other verifiable sources?
• How old is the information? What is the date on the webpage?

How can I limit my research results or more accurately define my research when searching for Journal, Magazine or Newspaper articles?

To limit your search results request that the search term you are using be in the:

Title: search term must appear in the title of the journal, magazine or newspaper article.

Ex: Title: Dogs   Title of magazine article: All Dogs Go To Heaven.

Subject: search term must appear as an assigned subject of the journal, magazine or newspaper article.

Ex: Subject: Dogs  Title of magazine article: Canine Health and Well Being.

Warning! Be careful using the Subject field. These are assigned by someone and would not necessarily be the same term that you would use. Would you use dogs or canines as a subject? I would recommend trying both.