#1 Identify your question. Identify the key concepts and related terms. Tip: You may want to re-phrase your question. Background reading can help you identify related terms and further define or narrow your topic.
#2 Find an appropriate search tool. Consider your subject matter, discipline of study, type of information needed (e.g. peer reviewed articles)
#3 Start with a simple search based on your key concepts. Tip: You may also have to look at literature that refers to one (not all) aspects of your research question.
#4 Use specific search strategies.
#5 Search and skim results. Look for the language and terms that researchers use and that the database assigns to articles (Subjects).
#6 Switch up your searches. Use promising new terminology. Your search may become more sophisticated.
#7 Explore bibliographies to locate other articles, books, or authors who have written on the same topic. Find known items. Tip: See "Find a Known Item" tab on this guide.
#8 Explore citing literature to locate other articles, books, or authors who have written on the same topic. Look for "cited by" information to access citing articles.
How does participation in extracurricular activities impact undergraduate student success?
Independent Variable: extracurricular activity participation
Defined by: participation in sports/ student government/ clubs & orgs; participation in academic-type activities vs. participation in sports-like activities
Dependent Variable: student success
Defined by: GPA, grades, pass/fall rates, graduation rates, class ranking