Interfaces and search options vary across databases, but best practices for searching are relatively consistent across interfaces. No matter which database you choose, remember these important tips.
- Don't search with your topic as a single phrase. Determine the key concepts of your topic. Then place each concept in an individual search bar.
- Search Box 1: adolescents
- Search Box 2: motivation
- Search Box 3: behavior
- When searching for synonyms or related terms for core concepts, use OR.
- Search Box 1: adolescents OR teenagers OR young adults OR teen OR youth
- Search Box 2: motivation OR engagement OR participation
- Search Box 3: behavior OR attitudes OR actions OR perceptions
- In each database, look for "peer reviewed" to limit your search to scholarly articles.
- When appropriate, set date range on your topic. Example: 2009-2019. Ten years is the benchmark for searching most of the time. Sometimes you will want to go further back in time or have items more current.
