1. Literature review strategies
  2. Identifying relevant sources
  3. Searching for key terms and authors

Tips for Searching Key Terms and Authors for UK University Dissertations

A comprehensive article on how to effectively search for key terms and authors when writing a dissertation at a UK university. This article will cover literature review strategies and identifying relevant sources.

Tips for Searching Key Terms and Authors for UK University Dissertations

Are you struggling to find the right key terms and authors for your UK university dissertation? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies for effectively searching and identifying relevant sources for your literature review. Whether you are a student or a researcher, this article will guide you through the process of finding high-quality and authoritative resources for your academic work. So, let's dive in and learn how to search for key terms and authors like a pro!When writing a dissertation at a UK university, it is crucial to conduct a thorough literature review. This process allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your research topic and identify any gaps in existing research.

It also helps you to determine the main focus of your dissertation, which is essential when searching for key terms and authors related to your topic. For instance, if your dissertation is on the impact of social media on mental health, your main focus would be on social media, mental health, and their effects. Keeping this in mind, you can use Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search and find more specific results. Additionally, using synonyms and related terms can help broaden your search and provide different perspectives on your topic.

Conducting a thorough literature review also ensures that you are not duplicating existing research and helps you to build upon previous studies. It allows you to identify any gaps in the literature and contribute new insights to your field of study. Moreover, a comprehensive literature review strengthens the credibility of your dissertation and demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter. In summary, conducting a thorough literature review is a crucial step in the dissertation process.

It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your research topic, identify gaps in existing research, and contribute new insights to your field of study. When searching for key terms and authors, it is important to keep the main focus of your dissertation in mind and use Boolean operators, synonyms, and related terms to refine and broaden your search. By following these tips, you can effectively search for key terms and authors related to your dissertation topic and write a high-quality dissertation for your UK university.

Searching by Author Name

If you are looking for sources written by a specific author, it is helpful to search for their name in the database. This will bring up all of their published works and allow you to easily access their research on your topic.

You can also search for sources that have cited their work, as this can lead you to other relevant sources.

Effective Search Strategies

When searching for key terms and authors, there are a few strategies that can help you find the most relevant sources. These include using different databases, searching by author name, and using citation indexes. Let's break down each strategy:

Using Different Databases

When it comes to searching for key terms and authors for your UK university dissertation, it's important to use more than just one database. With numerous databases available for academic research, utilizing multiple sources will provide you with a more comprehensive list of relevant materials.

Some popular databases for dissertations include ProQuest, JSTOR, and EBSCOhost. Each of these databases has its own unique collection of sources, so by using a combination of them, you can ensure that you are not missing out on any important resources. Make sure to explore various databases and don't limit yourself to just one, as this can greatly enhance the quality and depth of your literature review.

Using Citation Indexes

Citation indexes, such as Google Scholar and Web of Science, allow you to see who has cited a particular source. This can be helpful in identifying other relevant sources and gaining a deeper understanding of the research landscape surrounding your topic.

By using these citation indexes, you can easily track the impact and influence of certain authors and publications within your field. This can also help you to discover new and emerging research trends, as well as potential gaps in the existing literature. To use citation indexes effectively, make sure to search for both key terms and authors to get a comprehensive view of the relevant sources in your field. Additionally, don't forget to explore the citations of the sources you have already found to uncover even more valuable resources.

Remember to critically evaluate the sources you find and consider their relevance and credibility before including them in your literature review.In conclusion, searching for key terms and authors is a crucial step in the dissertation process. By following these tips and strategies, you can effectively search for relevant sources and ensure that your literature review is comprehensive and well-informed. Remember to always keep your dissertation topic in mind and use different databases and search techniques to find the most relevant sources. Happy searching!.

Rosemary Thompson
Rosemary Thompson

Rosemary Thompson is a professional academic writing tutor and dissertation consultant with over fifteen years of experience helping students at UK universities master the research and writing process. With a background in higher education and a deep understanding of academic standards, she has guided hundreds of undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral candidates through every stage of dissertation development—from topic selection and methodology design to data analysis and defence preparation.Rosemary specialises in academic writing, research methodology, and critical analysis, offering practical strategies for structuring, editing, and refining dissertations that meet the highest academic expectations. Her goal is to make complex research projects more approachable, manageable, and rewarding.“Every great dissertation begins with a clear plan and ends with confident communication of ideas. My mission is to help students bridge that journey.”