There are many skills needed for effective research, but remember that learning these skills is a process and will take time. Choose an activity from the list below based on your research needs and learning goals.
Keywords
- Complete the Developing Keywords for Database Searching worksheet, brainstorm keywords for a topic of interest.
Advanced Search Techniques
- Select UW Libraries Search, a multidisciplinary or subject-specific database (see Research Guides for subject-specific databases) and practice some of the Advanced Search Tips covered in this module. Tip: Finding the advanced search option will often bring up useful filters and limits including Boolean Operators.
- Experiment with different keywords, filters, or techniques (truncation or wildcards) in at least two different databases.
- Reflect: What did you discover by doing a deeper dive into more than one database? Were you surprised by any of your search results? Which advanced search techniques might you use again?
Stuck, have questions, or need support? Check who you can reach out to for help at the UW Libraries.
Congratulations! You have finished learning about Search Skills & Strategies. To continue with this tutorial, choose an option below: