Preparing a search: where do I start?
Keywords
Before you begin your research, establish exactly what information you are trying to find. Try to establish some keywords. Whatever the format of your search - whether it be print or electronic information - keywords are essential.
Look at your assignment title and highlight the key concepts/phrases.
For example
"What are the benefits and disadvantages of ICT for teaching students of EFL?"
These will form your basic search terms.
Other things to consider
- Synonyms – Think of other words/phrases which mean the same or similar to your search terms. E.g. Education/teaching
- Spelling variants – British and American spellings eg behaviour/behavior
- Variations of a root work eg feminism/feminist
- Alternative meanings and contexts eg web/mouse
Limiting factors
Do you want to cover any particular time period? Any geographical area? Do you want all dates of publication or only the most recently published? What perpective are you looking at? (Psychological, sociological, philosophical…) Establishing these factors before you begin your search will ensure the search is more effective in discovering relevant items
On to Step 2: Information Sources
