ANTH 1400: Biological Anthropology - Blom (Fall 2024)

No matter what database you use to locate materials for your research, there are certain strategies that you can use in designing your searches, which will help you conduct effective searches on your research topic.

AND - combines terms; narrows and focuses search   ex.: neanderthals and brain
Note: Many databases assume an "and" between your terms if you simply type multiple terms (Google does this.)

OR - used between synonyms or related terms, broadens search by supplying more options  ex.: dentition or teeth

NOT - excludes terms from search, narrows and focuses search   ex.: apes not chimpanzees

TRUNCATION - symbol used at end of word or word part to retrieve variant word endings; adds flexibility and depth to your search  ex: anthropolog* retrieves: anthropology, anthropologist, anthropological, etc.   Note:  Some tools, such as Google Scholar, will automatically search for variant word endings at the end of your search terms.

Research Process

• Define your research topic or question in one or two succinct sentences.
• Identify key search terms (and alternate terms).
• Identify the types of materials you want. (books, magazine articles, scholarly journal articles, etc.)  Become familiar with the UVM Libraries website.
• Identify the resources you need to use to get these materials (i.e., use CATQuest to find books we own; use article databases such as Academic Search Premier to find journal articles, etc.)
• Conduct initial searches.
• Note that a good search uses keywords rather than highly specific phrases such as "genetic determinants of behavior."   
• Based upon results, adjust and refine search terms.  If you are not finding what you need try different search terms. Repeat.
• Critically evaluate resources for usefulness in answering your research question.
• Synthesize research into a cohesive, final product that addresses your research question(s); remember to cite your sources.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind when Researching Anthropology Topics

• Anthropological research is often interdisciplinary research.
• Search multiple databases across subject areas for information on your topics.
• Useful information for your topics is found in many formats – books, journal articles, newspaper articles, magazine articles, web pages, and more.  Know how to find all these different formats of information.
• Beginning your searches with keyword searches is often the best way to start.
• Be aware of where your information is coming from, purposes, biases.
• Good anthropological research is thorough research.

If you need additional help with your research for this class, please don't hesitate to contact me.  We can set up a time to meet for an individual consultation, and work through all your research questions.

E-mail: laurie.kutner@uvm.edu