Combination searching:

• Combine keyword and subject searching or multiple subjects.
• Combine previous searches or add new terms to a previous search.

Database Limiters:

• Use the limiters listed on the advanced search page to refine your search.
• Eliminate issues with variant spelling.
• What are your paper requirements? Set relevant limits, such as Date, Scholarly Peer-Reviewed articles, and other limiters to refine your search.

Sample topic: Designing and implementing effective programs for at-risk youth

• opens new windowDE "AT-risk youth" (subject search in SocINDEX with Full Text)
• opens new windowDE "AT-risk youth" and (economics or poverty) (subject and keyword search in SocINDEX with Full Text)
• opens new windowDE “AT-risk youth” and effective programs in SocINDEX with Full Text
• opens new window"at-risk youth" AND (program or club) AND (business or Finance) (phrase and keyword search in SocINDEX with Full Text, Academic Search Complete; Political Science Complete; Social Work Abstracts

Sample topic: The effects of single parent adoption on family dynamics

• opens new windowsingle parent adoption AND family dynamics (keyword search in SocINDEX with Full Text, Family Studies Abstracts, and Social Work Abstracts)

Sample Topic: International adoption and the issues for American parents

• opens new windowDE "INTERNATIONAL adoption" AND issue* AND (survey research or report) (subject and keyword search in SocINDEX with Full text; DE=descriptor or subject term)

Sample topic: Effective family services permanency planning and practices.

• opens new windowDE "FAMILY services" AND permanency (subject and keyword search in multiple databases)
• opens new windowfoster care AND permanency AND (study OR report OR research) (keyword search in multiple databases; limited by date)