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How to do Research for a College Paper

STEP 5: Refine Your Search

Refine Your Search

  • Review your search results.
    • What have you learned from your searches so far?
    • How much information is available on the topic?
      • Too Much? You may need to narrow down your topic.
      • Too Little? You may need to broaden your topic.
  • Identify new keywords to broaden or narrow your search.
  • Consider rephrasing your research question.
  • Search for more sources using your new keywords.

Refining your Search