TIP: Begin searching in a multi-disciplinary database, such as Academic Search Complete or Google Scholar (scholar.google.com).
Next, duplicate the search in a subject-specific database listed here. The Library Guide for your specific online program also contains a list of recommended subject databases in your area of studies.
TIP: Chunk each separate part of your topic on a new line / search box.
Join these with the Boolean Operator, AND.
Add synonyms for concepts in the same box. Join these with the Boolean Operator, OR.
TIP: If you don’t see the results you expected after your first search, your keywords might not have matched the author’s.
You can improve your chances of matching their language by brainstorming synonyms and related terms for your key concepts.
OR is a Boolean Operator, or connector, used to EXPAND a key concept