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Conducting Effective Searches

Maximize your searching time in online indexes/databases by using these tips

Use Database Refining Tools

Not all databases will have the same refining/limiting tools, but the following are common to many databases:

  • Published date

Published date limiter

  • Publication type

                                        Publication type limiter        Publication type limiter

  • Document type

Document type limiter

  • Sort results list by relevance

Sort results list

  • Full Text
    • NOTE: This will narrow your search to only the articles that are full text in the research database in which you are searching.  If you use this limiter, you will not be able to see the links to articles that are full text in any of the other research databases to which the Bethel University Library subscribes.

How do I narrow my search to empirical research articles?

Check out the Empirical Research Articles section of the Types of Periodical Articles instructional guide