This nearly four minute video on database searching takes you through the steps this guide presents.
What do you want to research? If you need help brainstorming, think about what you are interested in and why? Search the internet for current events, encyclopedia entries, etc. about your interests.
| Example: Mental health effects of TikTok on young adults and teens |
What are the main concepts and themes in your topic? Breakdown your topic to three to five themes/concepts.
| Example: Mental health effects of TikTok on young adults and teens | ||
| Mental health | TikTok | Young adults and teens |
Brainstorm search terms for each concept and theme. How else can you describe the concepts and themes? Consult a thesaurus or search engine to find synonyms. Also think broader (e.g., TikTok is a social media platform) and more focused (anxiety is one aspect of mental health).
| Example: Mental health effects of TikTok on young adults and teens | ||
| Mental health | TikTok | Young adults and teens |
|
Psychology Negative health effects Anxiety |
Social media Video sharing |
Adolescents Millennials, Gen Z 13-25 year olds |
Brainstorm the disciplines that study these concepts. Who on campus studies the concepts?
| Example: Mental health effects of TikTok on young adults and teens | ||
| Mental health | TikTok | Young adults and teens |
|
Psychology Negative health effects Anxiety |
Social media Video sharing |
Adolescents Millennials, Gen Z 13-25 year olds |
|
Psychology Public health |
Media Studies Information Science Computer Science |
Public health Education (for teens) |
