EXPLORE a Topic

Use reference resources (e.g., subject dictionaries and encyclopedias, handbooks) to obtain background information, an overview of your topic, key issues, an understanding of basic concepts, narrower and related terms, and definitions.

Search videos by keyword, then filter by date, channel, publisher, and more. Find a video of interest and search the video transcript to play specific sections relevant to your topic.
Sample videos:

AVON video      AVON video      AVON video

IDENTIFY Databases

To identify relevant databases, try a search in EagleSearch. When results come up, click Databases in the left menu.
EagleSearch

CREATE Search Expressions

Use relevant keywords to formulate a variety of search expressions in all relevant databases. The search examples below provide ideas on how to edit a search and create effective searches.

opens new windowProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global:

  • (glutamate metabolism) AND (pain or inflammation) - keyword search
  • ("glutamate metabolism") AND (pain or inflammation) - phrase and keyword search

opens new windowMEDLINE with Full Text:

opens new windowScienceDirect:

opens new windowGreenFILE

Google Scholar (Change "settings" in Google Scholar to access ORU resources.)

SEARCH, EDIT, SEARCH

Subjects headings vary with databases, as shown below, and may be identified as Subjects, Subject Heading, or Thesaurus.


LIMIT Results

Limit date, age group, subsets, etc., as needed to match your research needs.

Do you need primary research, clinical trials, surveys?
Try a search that includes the publication type -clinical trial, comparative study, research, etc.- in your search query. Some databases include limiters on the Advanced Search that include gender, age, subsets, and more.

Sample article:
opens new window"Modeling Test and Treatment Strategies for Presumption Alzheimer Disease" (Note: PLoS includes funding information, author(s), affiliations and competing interests, and more.)