5.6: Searching for scholarly sources

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Refresher: What is iterative searching?

Definition: Iterative

An iterative process if one that repeats itself. Iteration is the repetition of a process in order to generate multiple outcomes. Each repetition of the process is a single iteration. When researching, each unique search is an iteration.

You were first introduced to the idea of iterative searching in Chapter 2. Image of an iterative searching cycle. The text reads: Search Iteration #1, Review results, make changes, search iteration #2, Review results, Make changes, Search iteration #3

Iterative searching is a process of continuous improvement that involves searching, reflecting, making choices and revisions, and searching again. The goal of iterative searching is to improve the relevancy of your search results in each iteration, and to learn along the way what strategies work best for you.

Why be iterative?

Because you are learning. Working iteratively offers you opportunities to learn and reflect.

Because doing something once doesn't necessarily mean you've done it as well as you could. With continued effort, you will make choices and changes depending on which strategies you identify as useful, and you'll do even better.

Because the database you're using has tools to help you find better information. Without searching iteratively, you won't be able to take advantage of these tools.

Searching in Academic Search Complete

Searching is complex in scholarly databases. In addition to being iterative, the most effective searches utilize keywords, quotation marks, and refining and limiting tools.

Trying and experimenting is a core part of your assignment this week - trying, revising, changing, and editing as you learn how to search iteratively and database refining and limiting tools.

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