First, what is a search strategy? A search strategy is a well thought out plan for searching for information using commands specific to the information retrieval system you are using. In this case a library database or the One Search box.
The more thought and time you put into developing a search strategy the more relevant your results will be.
Basic Search Strategy #1: The Boolean Operators
Boolean Operators are two words (AND, OR) that you can use to combine keywords in a search.
AND will narrow a search by focusing on resources that contain both keywords.
Example: cohabitation AND family
OR will broaden a search by looking for two keywords at one time.
Example: cohabitation OR "domestic partnership"
Basic Search Strategy #2: Quotations
Quotation Marks can be used to search for exact phrases. You do not have to put quotation marks around one word.
Correct: "domestic partnership"
"unmarried couples"
Incorrect: "marriage"
With compare and contrast topics its tempting to add "verses" to your search strategy. As in cohabitation vs marriage or cohabitation versus marriage. Instead of using vs or verses try using the Boolean Operator AND.
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