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Create a Good Search Strategy
There are 2 steps to creating a good search strategy:
1) Think about what you need; then,
2) Ask yourself: where is it likely to be?
Think about what you need
Once you have a topic in mind, phrase it as a question. Break your topic down into main concepts or keywords. Think of synonyms, variant spellings, and related concepts. You will use these keywords when you start searching for reference sources, books, videos, articles, and web pages on your topic.
For example, if your research question is:
How is biotechnology being used in food production in Canada?
Some keywords are:
- biotechnology
- genetic modification
- genetically modified
- bio engineering
- food(s)
- Canada
- Canadian
Where is it likely to be?
There are many different types of sources that will offer different information. The following chart will help you decide where to look:
| Get This... | Using These... |
| Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other sources provide definitions, general overviews, and statistics. The information in these sources is brief. Reference sources are excellent places to start your research, because they can give a general idea of the main issues pertaining to your topic. | Encyclopedias |
| You may need to find background information on your topic and see where it fits in your discipline. Typically, books and videos will give a thorough treatment of a broad subject. Information may not necessarily be up-to-date in these sources. Most books have bibliographies that can lead you to other relevant sources. | Books and Videos |
| You will need information that is in-depth and focused. These sources can provide you with current research and may provide detailed information about a certain event or topic. | Research Databases (eg. Journals, Magazines, and Newspapers) |
| Anything and everything is here, but remember that includes information that is biased, unreliable, or even wrong. | Internet |