| Criteria | Questions to Consider |
|
Author |
Is the author an expert on the subject? |
|
Audience |
Is the information from a popular or scholarly source? |
|
Relevance |
Does the content of the book/article discuss your research question? |
|
Bias |
Does the author present information based on facts or opinion? |
|
Date |
How recently was the book/article published? |
To effectively search the library catalog or databases for relevant information, it is important to develop a search strategy.
1. Topic: If allowed by your professor, choose a topic that interests you.
Topic: Smoking
2. After choosing a topic, the next step is to develop a research question.
Research Question: How does exposure to smokers affect children
3. A research question will help you identify keywords. What is a keyword? A keyword is a specific term which describes an event, person or place. Keywords help you find information in a catalog or database.
Keywords: smokers, children
4. Once you have selected a keyword or keywords, brainstorm to identify synonyms and related terms.
Related Terms: {smokers} = cigarettes, smoking, secondhand smoke
{children} = child, kids, adolescents