The research organization worksheet linked below brings together all aspects of the research process we've learned so far:
This is a visual way to organize your research. The information on the chart can then be transferred easily to a database.
Use this blank worksheet below to create your own search statement:
Creating a Search String
Des Moines Area Community College tutorial on creating a search string.
Search String Builder
Georgia State University tool for creating a search string using Boolean
The worksheet above can be transcribed into a search string (What I like to call "word algebra")
Here's how it would look written out:
("Video Games" OR "Grand Theft Auto" OR "Mortal Combat") AND (Violen* OR Aggressi*) AND (Child* OR Teen* OR Adolescen*)
Here's how it would look in a database:
Notice that this particular database automatically inserts the Boolean operator AND. Use a different search box for each concept, listing a few of your best synonyms separated by the Boolean operator OR. Notice, too, that the Boolean operators are in all caps.