Searching for Information
Unit Learning Objectives
- Develop a focused research question by identifying an information gap, refining broad topics, and aligning the question with academic and assignment-specific goals.
- Design and implement an effective search strategy by selecting appropriate keywords, applying search operators, and choosing the right research tools (e.g., Search@UW, subject-specific databases, Google).
Unit Overview
This unit walks you through the basics of the research process, starting with how to identify what you need to know and turn that into a strong, research-ready question. You’ll learn how to come up with useful keywords, build smart search strategies, and choose the right tools like Search@UW, subject-specific databases, and search engines like Google to find sources that fit your topic. The focus is on refining your question, thinking critically about your search results, and picking sources that truly support your work, not just the ones that are easiest to find. By using different search tools and techniques, you’ll build the skills to do efficient, focused academic research.
This unit contains content that may help fulfill the UW-Green Bay Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes for Information Literacy, specifically:
IL 1: Students will use appropriate search strategies and tools to locate information relevant to their information need, refining strategies based on search results.
