1. Teacher Research EDG 506
Using the Database Thesaurus
12/5/2018

2. This tutorial will show you how to use the thesaurus function in EBSCOhost databases such as Academic Search Premier, Education Research Complete, and ERIC. These are all accessible from the Education Databases page.
12/5/2018

3. Just as a review To formulate your keywords you should:
Define your topic
Locate background information and identify keywords/terms – these are essential for database searching
What are the key concepts in your topic?
What are the educational concepts?
What terms will you use?
Translate the topic into a search query
12/5/2018

4. Unfortunately, your searches will not always return a wide variety of results. When this happens, it’s time to reevaluate your key words. The database thesaurus can help you to do that.
12/5/2018

5. Using the thesaurus provided by the database will ensure that you are using the same terminology that is applied to journal articles. This is especially important for age groups and grades, as the way phrases such as “elementary school students” are worded can change from database to database.
12/5/2018

6. Type your first search term into the search box within the thesaurus and click “Browse.” Find the term that most closely matches the concept you are looking for and select it. If there is a check box next to the term, skip to the next step.
12/5/2018

7. Select the check box next to your chosen term, and click “Add” to add the term to your search query. If your selected term encompasses your entire concept, click “Search” at the top of the screen to see your search results.
12/5/2018

8. To add additional search terms, type your keywords into the search box within the thesaurus and click “Browse.” If the concept you are looking for does not display in your results, simplify it as much as possible.
12/5/2018

9. By simplifying your concept as much as possible, you are able to browse through related topics and select the one most suited to your needs. For example, my original search was “elementary students,” which returned no results. I can see now that the term I need to use is “school children.”
12/5/2018

10. Once you have selected your additional search term, you can add it to your search query. Be sure to select “AND” from the drop-down menu before clicking “Add.” Once all your new keywords have been added, click “Search” to see your search results.
12/5/2018

11. Or contact us through the Meebo box on our website.
Thank you for your attention. Questions? Please don’t hesitate to call!
Lawral Wornek
Anne Schwelm
Sara Drew
Or contact us through the Meebo box on our website.
12/5/2018