FIU Libraries: SYA4010 / Sociological Theories: Craft your Search

Craft your Search

The tough part is coming up with the right words to describe your topic. Use synonyms. For example your topic is love in the workplace. What terms should you use?

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Use OR between synonyms and AND between different concepts.

When you have a topic, brainstorm what words to search. Remember, search for the most important words only. Use AND between the different terms and OR between words that mean the same thing. AND narrows your search. OR broadens your search.

Synonyms and Related Terms: Think of synonyms for your search terms. For example:

Topic: The impact of global warming on international shipping.

Main Term	Synonyms	Related Terms
global warming	climate change	greenhouse gases
international shipping	global shipping global freight international freight overseas shipping overseas freight	FedEx UPS
impact	effect influence affect significance	Note: You won't always have related terms

SAGE Research Methods This link opens in a new window
*Find reference materials on conducting research.
*Find information on how to design and conduct a research project.
*Learn how to conduct a literature review.
*Read case studies from researchers.
*Find e-books in qualitative methods.
*Find downloadable datasets to practice quantitative statistical and analytical methods.
*View streaming video collection dedicated to methods.
Tools include a project planner, methods map, which stats test to help determine which statistical method to apply, 2,000+ qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods case studies, 500+ datasets-indexed by method and data type, streaming video collections, and more.
Includes diversified types of research materials such as reference works, journal articles, datasets, e-books, and videos by leading academics. It has the largest e-book collection in qualitative methods. The resources cover every aspect of research skills training to help researchers at all levels through the steps of the research process, from developing a research question, doing a literature review, planning a project, collecting and analyzing data, and writing up a report, dissertation or thesis.

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SYA4010 / Sociological Theories

Craft your Search

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