1. Project Basics
2. Create a Research Plan
4. Perform the Search
5. Cite Your Resources
6. Read and Evaluate
7. Annotate
Identify Your Search Terms
You need to brainstorm a base of keywords. This is a list that you will add to as you discover new combinations that work best, but don't just jump in without some already generated. As you find some words that don't work, cross them off, as well.
Finding Keywords and Search Terms:
Identify the Types of Sources You Need
You also want to identify the types of sources that will be most useful to you. It's an easy answer to say "scholarly sources only," but sometimes those aren't the ones best suited to your project. By this point in your academic career, you are ready to start branching out into other fields and other publications. Just remember that everything you use needs to be evaluated using some strict criteria. But, you are doing that with all of your sources, anyway!
Some Different Types of Sources
Identify Where You Want to Search
There are an overwhelming number of places that you search online that will return useful, credible sources. So, rather than spinning your wheels, identify some specific places where you think you will find the most information. Also, don't be afraid to branch out into other disciplines. Psychology, medicine, sociology, social work, and even anthropology might give you some interesting new "takes" on your question. Finally, make sure you are looking in places that will ensure you find diversity in the voices you are reading.
You develop nuanced evaluation criteria over time as you become more and more expert in your specific and narrowed field. However, we provide some one-size-fits-all guides for you to adapt. There is absolutely no sense in wasting your time reinventing the wheel!