Finding the right search terms for your research can sometimes be the most difficult part of the research process. For this assignment, try thinking about the following to help you build the search terms you need for your search:
1. What aspect of food are you interesting in researching? Use that as one of your search terms
2. Is there a particular time period you are interesting in researching
3. Is there a particular culture you are interesting in researching?
4. Is there are particular food you want to research?
You may not have an answer to each question, and that is okay. These are meant to get you thinking more about ways you could narrow your research and come up with terms you would like to use for your search. You might also have different types of questions to ask depending on what you research.
Whatever you are researching, it is always helpful to pause and think about what search terms will be most relevant for your topic. Taking that step can save you a lot of time researching.
After thinking about the questions from above, let's say I decided I wanted to research recipes about American immigrants and how they are apart of our food culture today.
For my search, I would start by using the terms "cookbooks immigrants America" to find books in Search@UW. Below, you can see a book I found from my search.
The Immigrant Cookbook by As you search, you may find that perhaps your search terms are becoming too narrow. Think of ways you could broaden your search to find something related. For example, if I wanted to research spaghetti and I am having limited results, I would maybe try to find a book on Italian food instead.
If you are still struggling, navigate to the research help page of this guide to connect with a librarian.
