Change the terms you use in your search. Brainstorm about more specific terms. Make sure you are not using OR between terms that mean different things, for example women OR salary. | Change the terms you use in your search. Sometimes by using a synonymous word, you'll get a very different results list. |
Start with a small number of keywords. Then add more terms or try different terms based on your results. | Use fewer search terms. If you are searching for three or more search terms, try removing one. Always start with a small number of keywords, then add more terms or try different terms based on the results you get. |
Add limiters (such as date and format). | Remove limiters. Limiters (such as date and format) give you a more targeted results list, but sometimes limit your results too much. If this happens, use only those limiters that are necessary. |
Search by a field like "Title" or, Subject, or Abstract. Most databases by default search by keyword. For more refined results limit a search term to a more narrow search field. | Try searching in a database that specializes in a certain subject by using the dropdown menus on our Databases List to find databases by discipline. Our Subject Guides, created by Lesley University's expert librarians, also recommend specific databases. Be flexible and be prepared to try several different databases. |
Search on a more focused aspect of your topic. For example, if you're looking at gay soldiers in the U.S. military, you might examine changing attitudes towards sexuality, military culture, or arguments against or for gay soldiers in combat units. | Think more broadly about your topic. For example, if you're researching the impact of Basque terrorism on a specific town in Spain, you might broaden your search to look at Basque terrorism more generally. Or you might do separate searches for different aspects of your topic. |
Still need help refining your searches? Check out these Search Tips or get some tips Developing Keywords!
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