Steps

Example

Identify a TOPIC of interest.

The effect of COVID-19 on leadership behaviors in an organization

What RESEARCH QUESTION(S) do you have about this topic?

What leadership qualities and behaviors are effective in leading employees during a pandemic or other crisis?  How do models of effective leadership style adapt to changes in work situations?

Choose KEYWORDS OR CONCEPTS from your question(s).      

USE CONNECTORS such as AND, OR, NOT in your search. If you use a phrase, put it in quotes.

CONDUCT YOUR SEARCH. Select a subject-specific (e.g., Business Source Premier) or a general database (e.g., Academic Search Premier). Or use the library’s online catalog, CentralSearch as an academic Google.  Refer to ‘Find Articles’, ‘Find Books’ and ‘Find Internet Resources’ in this guide for more info.

EXPAND YOUR LIST after conducting some preliminary research. Where is your search taking you? Reviewing a few results will help you expand your list.

REVIEW YOUR RESULTS.

...TOO MANY? Let the library resources help you narrow your search by using filters – narrow by date, subject term, peer-reviewed, and more. You may also want to limit your keyword search to the Abstract only.

...NOT ENOUGH / RESULTS NOT RELEVANT?  Some possible fixes:

1. Try using fewer or different keywords, or modify any connectors you are using.
2. Check your search – are words spelled correctly?
3. Try searching a different database(s).
4. Review your research questions and search terms – are they valid?