1) If you are searching for a term, make sure you use quotation marks. If not, the search engine will give you results for both words separately.
2) Make sure to use the Boolean search terms correctly (and, or, not).
3) Always find background information before coming up with a research question.
4) Wikipedia should not be looked down upon, you may use it in order to find the background reasearch.
5) Plagiarism is very big and you must always make sure to cite properly and give just credit to the author.
6) Make sure to look over the authority of the author to make sure that they have some knowledge in the field they are writing about.
7) It is important to identify how you will use certain sources. This can be done through the BEAM model (Background, Exhibit, Argument, Method).
8) The Baruch Bearcat Search allows you to search multiple databases at the same time in order to find information.
9) There are many private databases but there are also numerous public databases, like WolframAlpha, that is open for everyone without monthly fees.
10) Scholarly journal articles should be peer reviewed. A hint to know whether an article is peer reviewed or not is its length; 5 pages or more and it is probably peer reviewed.
