Here to help!
As you search the library databases (or elsewhere), you can use this worksheet to keep track of your searching.
(Worksheet adapted from: Ridley, D. (2008). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.)
Try to think broadly and brainstorm at this stage to generate as many possible words that might be related and give you relevant results. For example:
Topic: using iPads to enhance early childhood literacy
Synonyms:
Related Keywords:
Possible Subject Terms: (Search with these terms by choosing an advanced search and choosing to search in the Subject Heading. To discover these terms for your topic, look at some of your initial search results and see what terms are listed under the word Subject in the library catalog.)
TIP: Keep track of your searching!
In the long run, you will save yourself significant time and frustration if you keep track of your searching, because searching is often a long and iterative process. That means that you may have to repeat and refine your search process many times before you start hitting "pay dirt."
For example, if you start by researching a topic with which you are unfamiliar, you probably won't enter a search term that makes much sense in a particular database. As you identify certain keywords, topics, and subject headings, however, your search will lead you in different directions. Some will be dead ends, but others might be so interesting that you end up changing your preliminary research question!
The point: By keeping track of your search process, you will be a more effective and efficient searcher.
Who knows? In the future you might want to revisit the same topic from a different angle. Take note of these possibilities in your research journal and return to them later.
Keep track of such elements as:
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