Before you can develop an effective search strategy, you need to fulfill certain prerequisites, much like preparing for specific courses. These prerequisites include formulating a specific, focused, and clear research question, as well as understanding what types of information sources you'll need to best answer that question.
You can't effectively plan your search strategy without first clearly defining your research question. A good research question or topic has several key characteristics: it should be specific, focused, and clear.
A good research question is specific. It narrows down a broad topic into a more precise area of inquiry. For example, instead of asking, "How does technology affect education?" a more specific question would be, "How does the use of tablets in elementary schools impact student engagement and learning outcomes?"
A good research question is also focused. It should address a single issue or problem rather than trying to tackle multiple questions at once. For instance, "What are the effects of social media on teenagers?" is more focused than "What are the effects of social media on people of all ages?"
Lastly, a good research question is clear. It should be easy to understand and free from ambiguous terms. For example, "What are the benefits of renewable energy?" is clearer than "What are the advantages of new energy solutions?"
If you need help developing a strong research question or topic, refer to the library's guide on secondary research.
Understanding the differences between different types of information, such as popular vs. scholarly, or primary vs. secondary, is crucial as you develop an effective search strategy. By recognizing these distinctions, you can tailor your search criteria to include the right types of sources for your specific research goals. For instance, if you need firsthand accounts or original data related to your topic, primary sources like diaries, interviews, or scientific studies are essential. On the other hand, if you're analyzing interpretations or analyses of events or research by others, secondary sources such as review articles or textbooks would be more appropriate.
Incorporating this understanding into your search strategy allows you to navigate databases and library resources more efficiently, selecting sources that match the depth, credibility, and relevance required for your research. This approach not only streamlines your search process but also ensures that the information you gather supports your scholarly inquiry effectively.
The following resources will help you learn more about the types of sources and how best to use them.
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