Reviewing
Tips for reviewing your search
Did you find too many references?
Narrow your search or make it more specific, for example
- try a different keyword/s
- add limiters e.g, years of publication or peer reviewed
- restrict your search to specific fields, e.g., title or author
Do you need more references?
- Broaden your search
- are you using alternative keywords and synonyms, including alternative spellings e.g. instead of using chocolate use confectionary
- have you tried using truncation (*) to capture all forms of your keyword
- try a different database
Do you need to fill the gaps in your research?
- search the catalogue to look for books that give an overview of the topic
- search for articles or books by particular authors who are considered experts in the topic
- broaden your search to find resources that cover both sides of the argument.
Some examples of poor search techniques
Using words without Boolean connectors (AND OR NOT)
Eg professional ethics standards
Using brackets incorrectly
Incorrect: (Professional and ethics) Correct: professional AND (standards OR ethics)
Typing in the question in full rather than identifying the keywords.
”One of the hallmarks of a profession is its willingness to establish ethical standards to guide practitioners’ conduct. Discuss why ethical standards are so important to professions and professional life.”
Activity
Again referring to our hypothetical research topic: “One of the hallmarks of a profession is its willingness to establish ethical standards to guide practitioners’ conduct. Discuss why ethical standards are so important to professions and professional life.”
Repeat your search but this time limit the results to the Australian experience. Academic Search Premier Search Screen
Compare your results to our recommendation