Searching Techniques This tutorial is intended to help you focus your research to retrieve the best information on your topic.
1. CHOOSING A TOPIC:
	This is often the hardest part, unless your instructor has given you guidelines. If you have problems finding a topic you might try clicking on the link, “Web Resources ” on the NLU Library website. This link provides links to reliable websites in various subjects. Example: depression in Alaska
2. FOCUSING THE RESEARCH QUESTION:
	It is always a good idea to restate your topic as a focused research question. This will help you to clarify your topic. You will have an easier time finding resources by answering your focused research question. When students don't use a question, they tend to state facts about a topic. Incorrect: There are more depressed people in Alaska than any other state. Correct: Are there more depressed people in Alaska than any other state?
3. FINDING BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
	Once you have restated your topic as a focused research question, you will need to find background information about the topic you have chosen. You need to know some basics about your topic before you begin searching the Internet. Several good places to look for background information are: Encyclopedias (usually the best place to begin looking), Reference books, Books, and Articles.
4. CHOOSING KEYWORDS:
	The first keywords you want to begin with are the ones from your focused research question. Then start adding other words which may be found in the background information. Example of a Focused Research Question: Are there more depressed people in Alaska than any other state? Example: Keywords - depression, Alaska
5. FINDING SYNONYMS:
	Now that you have taken your keywords from your focused research question, you need to find synonyms for each keyword. You will also want to pay attention to the Subject Terms or Descriptors listed in the citation or abstract of the article in the library’s article databases. You will want to search many different combinations using your keywords and synonyms to get a variety of information on your topic. You should also use multiple databases with your keywords and synonyms. Example: depression = unhappiness
6. STARTING YOUR SEARCH!
	Once you have gone through the steps listed above you are ready to search the article databases or online catalog.
	Created by Tracy Ruppman and Victoria West-Pawl. Updated 10/25/04-tjr/vwp