Student use these worksheets to write research questions, find keywords, and construct search strategies using Boolean operators. Each worksheet prompts the student with a different research topic and asks them to create a search strategy to find as many relevant results as possible.
1. Start thinking about history, context, and background information with this worksheet. After you complete your search strategy, try it out in an online encyclopedia or virtual reference database. Download and print the worksheet out here: SRW1–global warming and history
Start thinking about the kind of evidence you will need to construct an argument. Try to start with an open mind and go where the evidence leads you instead of looking for evidence that will simply back up your opinion. Try to keep bias out of your research as much as possible. After you complete your search strategy, try it out in an academic database such as EBSCO or JSTOR. Download and print the worksheet out here: SRW2–immigration and economic effects
After reading the evidence and making an argument, consider including counterarguments and refutations in your paper or presentation. This allows you to learn more about your topic, understand opposing viewpoints, and address your audience’s concerns as they occur. Look for keywords that will uncover advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons, benefits and drawbacks, outcomes and consequences. Try this search strategy out in a database such as Opposing Viewpoints. Download and print the worksheet out here: SRW3–automation and argumentation