Research @ the Library: Introduction to Research

Search Log
On the left is an example of the search process. On the right is space to work through your own topic.
Remember – searching isn’t an exact science. There are MANY right answers!

Example topic: What effects does drug abuse have on teens? Your Topic:
Key words:
 teens
 "drug abuse"
Key words (single word or 2 word phrases drawn from topic):
_________________________
Synonyms: _________________________
Check?: thesauri dictionaries encyclopedias _________________________

 teenagers Synonyms?: ___________________

 adolescents ___________________
 "substance abuse" ___________________

Check?: □ thesauri □ dictionaries □ encyclopedias

Example searches:
 "drug abuse" and teenagers

 "drug abuse" and (teenagers or adolescents)

Your search (connect key words using AND & OR):

 ("drug abuse" or "substance abuse") and adolescents _________________________________________

Information needs?: see "Information Needs Checklist"

Information needs: in U.S., last 10 years, peer-reviewed
Subject Guide(s): _______________ _______________
Subject Guide(s): Health and Biology, Behavioral Sciences
Research database(s): _____________ ____________
Relevant research database(s): Academic Search Premier,
SocINDEX, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, Sage Journals

Center for Learning and Technology 10/23/08

Empire State College -1- State University of New York