Constructing a Search Strategy Worksheet

Constructing a Search Strategy Worksheet

1. Write your topic as a statement or question:
Example: How do violent video games affect children?

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2. What are the key concepts (2-3) of your topic? List concepts and synonyms below. Consider singular/plural forms, spelling variations, and different word endings.

Example:

Concept 1	Concept 2	Concept 3
violent	video games	children
violence	computer games	child
---	---	youth
---	---	kids

	Concept 1	Concept 2	Concept 3
Term:

Synonym:

3. Construct your search strategy by using AND, OR, truncation, and parentheses.
Example: violen* AND (video games OR computer games) AND (child* OR kid* OR youth)

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4. Find a citation to a journal article on your topic.
Example: Silvern, S. and P. Williamson. (1987). The effects of video game play on young children's agression, fantasy, and prosocial behavior. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 8 (4): 453-462.

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Worksheet created by: Rebecca Payne, University of Wisconsin-Madison