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WTMC

Find and evaluate information for your research projects.

Step 1: Brainstorm Search Terms

Brainstorm keywords and phrases that could be used as search terms to help you find information. Are there synonyms or alternate phrases that might be helpful? Example:

TOPIC: Meanness SUB-TOPIC: Responsible

being mean

hostility

aggression

bullying

negative acts

 

responsibility

moral responsibility

behavior

self-control

psychological aspects

emotional intelligence

impulse control

 

Definition & Brainstorming Tools:

Step 2: Browse Topic in Primo

Use the advanced search features in the Primo Smart Search tool to break your search into keywords and concepts. 

  • Do not use sentences and questions in the search box! Databases do not work like Google. 

  • Put one concept in each line. Connect alternate terms with OR to broaden your search. Example:

    • Line 1: meanness OR hostility OR bullying 

    • Line 2: emotional intelligence

    • Line 3: high school students OR teenagers

  • Practice click restraint. Browse your topic by scanning titles and subject terms in the results for additional keywords to add to your list. 

  • Experiment with search terms. See how your results change. Highlight the most useful terms on your worksheet!

Step 3: Find Articles

  • Once you've refined your search terms, find the most relevant articles by narrowing your database results by type of article, date, full-text, and more. 

  • You can also try searching in a subject-specific database. Some recommendations are listed below, or you can view the full list of databases by subject using the link below. 

Background Articles
Lots of great articles on psychology topics like hostility, bullying, and more!

Psychology Databases

Science & Health Databases

Current Event Databases
Check out Opposing Viewpoint's topic pages on bullying, hazing, cyberbullying, and more for viewpoints, news, research, and more.

Education Databases