Use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase. This will help you find more specific results! Library catalog example:
social media = 6845 results
"social media" = 645 results
When researching a question, do not use complete sentences. Instead, use the most important keywords! For example:
How are mobile devices affecting education in elementary schools?
The most important keywords are:
mobile devices AND education AND elementary
Use Boolean operators to modify your search. This is very useful when you are searching for journal articles!
AND OR NOT
AND will narrow your search results:
"organized crime" AND drugs
OR will expand your search results:
"mobile devices" OR smartphones
NOT will exclude certain results:
cowboys NOT football