Research isn't a linear, predictable process. We often hit roadblocks. Our search terms don't yield the results we hoped for. We find a great article but it's in a language we don't read or speak. We can't seem to find enough sources to answer our research question.
The problem is not hitting obstacles, it's giving up when we do. Research requires us to be flexible and adaptable. Above all, it requires us to persevere through roadblocks. Research is iterative, meaning we often need to repeat steps.
This page outlines some of the blocks you might hit, as well as ways to navigate those stumbling points. Rather than give up, I encourage you to take a step back, assess your search approach, and try something new. And please contact me (ahulsebe@gustavus.edu) with any issues - I can help you solve them!
The best way to discover the right search terms to use is to figure out how experts in the field are discussing the topic. There are many ways to do this:
Sometimes a particular word or phrase seems to unlock your search magically. As you explore your topic, keep an eye out for key words and phrases that the experts use. These words and phrases can be magical, as you've now got some of the words that experts use when they discuss your topic.
Once you identify some of these words and phrases, use them as search terms in various databases and the library catalog. Even if you've already searched these resources, try again with the specialized vocabulary and see if you find new resources. If you're having trouble, check with your instructor or a reference librarian.
Research is iterative, which means it is not a linear process. You will want to return to databases, google, and library catalogs again and again, especially as you refine your topics. You might discover new keywords that scholars use when describing the topic. You might find that one person has written several of your sources, meaning you've likely found someone who is an expert in the field.
In these cases, return to databases and other search engines that you've already searched. Search again with your refine tools and see if you uncover additional materials. So much depends on having the right search terms, which we don't always get until we've spent some time with the topic and related sources.
It's highly possible you will encounter research materials written in a language you don't read or speak. This can be frustrating, but here are a few tips to navigate those situations.
It's easy - and normal - to default to resources that have worked in the past. If Google Scholar or Academic Search Premier helped us find materials for a project in a different course, we naturally would use it again. But be sure to expand your resources, too. There are a lot of specialized databases for various areas that you should use in addition to others that worked.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
