Assignment 9: Search Strings

The database I chose to use along with the Academic Search Premier was Alt HealthWatch. However, I received the most relevant and best results for my topic from the Academic Search Premier. I was able to narrow down my topic in both databases using a few different tips. I added a row to make my search string longer and more specific. I also used OR, AND, and * to include all words that I was looking for. I could also have chosen to select a field but I chose not to. Lucky for me, my first search sting was successful and received quite a few results that I was able to work with. I received 113 articles on the Academic Search Premier while only 68 for Alt HealthWatch. 35 articles were available in full test for Alt HealthWatch and 28 for Academic Search Premier. 47 were available through FindIt in other databases and 11 were available in print and the Miller Center. However, only 2 were not available at all and required an ILL request. So far my research question hasn't really changed. I have been able to find words that get the best results for my topic that I haven't had to do much with changing my research question. My biggest challenge I have encountered in composing a research question has been getting started. I was unsure of what direction I wanted to go with my research question since it is such a "touchy" and I didn't know much about the population. I think I overcame this challenge by doing a lot of research and finding a topic that I am interested in.