Unit 1 : Developing a search strategy

Undertaking a literature search for a thesis requires extensive use of a range of resources, both print and electronic.  This unit on Developing a search strategy outlines a strategy you can use to find the information you need.

By carefully structuring a search you ensure that you carry out an effective and thorough search.

  1. Define your topic
  2. Consider the scope and timeframe of your research
  3. Identify the main or important aspects
  4. Compile a list of keywords
  5. Develop a search strategy
  6. Refining your search
  7. Keeping track of your searches
  8. Assessment

The next unit, Unit 2: Database searching, takes the search strategy prepared in this unit and shows how to modify it for different databases.