Philosophy

Use:

• AND
  This strategy will narrow your search. 
• OR
  This strategy will broaden your search. Put words linked by OR inside parentheses ( ).
• Quotation marks " "
  Using quotation marks will ensure that the database finds results that use that exact phrase.
• Asterisk * 
  The * symbol tells the database to search for alternative word endings, for example: cultur* will search for culture, cultures, cultural

How do I choose keywords for my searches?

• Words to include
  You would want to include, the main ideas of your research question, for instance you could use a philosopher's name and their work and/or philosophical idea or theory.
• Use quotation marks
  If the name is longer than one word, you can optimize your search by putting quotation marks around the title. Using quotation marks will ensure that the database finds results that use that exact phrase.  
• Use AND
  To search for multiple concepts at the same time, you need to link your search terms with AND. This strategy will narrow your search. 

Found too many results?

• Add more keywords
  If you find that you are retrieving too many results, try adding more keywords to further narrow your topic.

Found too few results?

• Use OR
  At times you may not find much information on the subject have chosen. In this case you can try broadening your search by using OR to link your terms. This strategy will broaden your search because it will return results that mention either Nietzsche OR existentialism

• Look for more general information 
  If you are still having trouble finding enough information, try looking for more general information about your topic.

You can review your searching skills with our Database Searching Basics guide and this UMGC Library Webinar on Boolean Searching.