Searching the Theory
Simply search the theory name as a keyword.
Put compound theory names in quotation marks, "cognitive dissonance"
HINT: you often get better hits if you leave the word “Theory” out of the phrase.
Searching the theorist:
A theorist is an author…so if you search the person’s name AS an author, you should get almost everything they have written.
To get the most/best hits in the database,
Type in the name backwards, last name first
Change “Select a Field” window to “Author”
Search
Backward Reference Searching
Also known as chain searching, involves identifying and examining the references or works cited in an article. It is one way to learn about the development of knowledge on a topic. A researcher will do this in order to study the origins and development of a theory, construct, or model of interest. Another reason to backward reference search is to identify experts, institutions or organizations that specialize in a topic of research.
A second-level backward reference search is when a researcher examines sources cited by the references used in an initial article. This allows a researcher to identify inconsistencies in the literature.
Backward Author Searching
The works of an author can be examined by doing a backward reference search. This allows a researcher to review an author's previous work and publications, and also the development of the author's research.
Forward Reference Searching
is when a researcher identifies articles that cite a particular article or work after it had been published. This type of search focuses on the publications created after an initial original article or research publication.
Forward reference searching helps a researcher expand their knowledge on a topic by locating follow-up studies. A researcher then can identify new findings and developments.
Forward Author Searching
Forward reference searching can also be done to find a particular author and his or her works. This allows a researcher to review an author's later or more current works, and also examine new developments.
Overall Search Hints
Limit to academic journals, scholarly journals, peer-reviewed journals after the search. That’s the easiest way.
For example: PsycINFO searches more than journals. The peer-reviewed box will limit to journals only. Watch the length! Anything under 5 pages is probably a review, editorial, etc. …not research.
Remember: Databases don’t answer questions like Google. Use keywords.
Use quotation marks to identify compound subjects "cognitive dissonance"
The asterisk * is a truncation tool that allows you to search for multiple versions of the same word. Searching (communic* gets communicate, communication, communicator, communicates, communicators)
Use Boolean Operators to combine search terms. "interpersonal communication" OR "interpersonal relations"
Use Subject searches to find more relevant articles
"cognitive dissonance" as a SUBJECT
"social penetration" as a SUBJECT
