UNM-Valencia Library: English 120 Finding Sources
Brainstorming/Creating a Search Strategy
- Use W" Questions
- Identify keywords and phrases.
- Use quotation marks "" and truncation *.
- Connect concepts with "and," "or," or "not."
Resources
- W Questions
- Concept Mapper
- Mindmup
- Search Generator
- Search Strategy Builder (CCC Online Library)
- Search Generator (U of M)
Finding Sources Using Databases
- Use the "Advanced Search Features"
- Use a different box for each concept of your search topic.
- Use limiters for to select fulltext, or peer-review.
- Revise your search based on results.
- Limit also by date, subject, or words in title.
- Invoke the 20 minute rule--no results in 20 minutes--change words/change databases.
Suggested Databases
- Find a Database (for other suggestions)
- Proquest
- Academic Search Complete.
- Expanded Academic Index.
- Gale Reference Center Gold .
- Education Research Complete
- Applied Science and Technology Source Ultimate
- ProQuest STEM Database
- CINAHL Complete (health resources)
- Business Source Complete (business resources)
- Physical Education Index
- PsycInfo
- America: History and Life
- PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database)
- SportDiscus
- Art Full Text
Evaluating Sources
- How does the the source support my essay?
- What have I learned from the source?
- How could I use the source in my writing?
Resources
- Credo Evaluation Module
- Trap Expanded
- Evaluating Sources for Credibility
- "TRAP worksheet"
- Finding Author Information
- Credible Sources (video)
- Critical Evaluation of Resources (UC Merced)
- Learn about Evaluating Sources: Step-by-Step Evaluation Process (CCC Online Library)
- Evaluating Sources (PASSAIC)
- RADAR Framework (LMU Hannon Library)
