Choose a topic that interests you and will hold your attention. If you do, the research will be more enjoyable!
Before selecting a topic or starting your research, make sure you understand your assignment and its requirements. Consider the following:
When in doubt, consult with your instructor.
Free text, natural language or keyword searches are used with computerized databases and search engines.
Advantages
+ Excellent for new concepts or terminology
+ Will retrieve lots of results
Disadvantages
- Must think of all other synonyms
- Results will often not be about your topic (your term was only mentioned in the article)
Controlled vocabulary, descriptors, index terms or subject headings are used in computerized databases. Articles are analyzed and the content is matched to a limited number of specified terms.
Advantages
+ Results will be about your topic
+ No need to think of other synonyms
Disadvantages
- If you don’t use the correct term, you could miss some or all pertinent information