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Writing 001 (Winek)

Academic Writing

Video: How Should I Search in a Database?

When you search in a database, it's a good idea to use keywords and Boolean Operators (the words AND, OR, & NOT). Learn the basics of Boolean (AND / OR / NOT) and keyword searching. (Length: ~1:25)

Question: How can you decide what keywords will work best in your search?

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Ronald Williams Library, 1:27

Boolean Operators (AND / OR)

Use AND to combine two different ideas. AND narrows your results.

Examples:

"academic success" AND sleep

"time management" AND grades

"growth mind-set" AND transition AND college

tuition AND admissions AND "college attendance"

Use OR to combine similar concepts.  OR expands your results.

Examples:

grades OR GPA

study OR learn

college OR university OR "higher education"

self-discipline OR self-control OR "self regulation"

discipline OR determination

Video: Tips & Tips - Phrase Searching

Watch this short video to discover how phrase searching can help you locate relevant sources and narrow your search results. (1:00 from North Carolina State University Libraries).

Phrase Searching

Use "quotation marks" to glue terms together. Use quotation marks around two or more words that you want to appear as a phrase.

"reading skills" will get better, more relevant, results than reading skills

Examples:

"freshman myth"

"academic experiences"

"college completion"

"attention span"

"general education requirements"