Step 2: Search for the Topic

• 2A. Define your search. Write out the topic in a complete sentence.
  I'm looking for information on prospective teachers who will be teaching science.

• 2B. Break the topic down into concepts. concept #1 prospective teachers #2 teaching science

• 2C. List synonyms or related terms for relevant concept. Teachers and science will not require related terms.
  • concept #1 "prospective" synonym: future

  • concept #2 "teaching" synonym: instructing

• 2D. Do your search. On computerized indexes use Boolean operators, truncations symbols as appropriate (*,?, +, or $ depending on the index), and parentheses to create a thorough search. Boolean OR is used between synonyms and AND is used between concepts.
  • [Database selected for example search: ERIC.]

  • search statement: (prospective or future) and teachers and science and (teaching or instructing)

• 2E. Examine the bibliographic citations found by your search and look at the descriptor (DE:) or subject heading fields of useful articles.

This will help you identify subject headings or other terminology used by the index. In the sample search, it was discovered that "preservice teachers" is the descriptor term used for prospective teachers, and "science education" is used for teaching science. Do a new search using these terms.

New search: preservice teachers and science education

Go to Step 3: Interpret the Information in the Index
Go back to Step 1

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URL: http://lib.colostate.edu/howto/step2.html • Modified: 2006-08-22

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