ENGL 100 (Bazan)

Library databases give you access to credible, reliable, and peer-reviewed information. Use them to find:

1. Quality Information: All resources are vetted by experts.
2. Narrow Search Options: You can filter by subject, publication type, and date to find exactly what you need.
3. Access to Full-Text Articles: Many databases offer full access to articles that aren't free on the web."

This video provides an overview of the distinguishing characteristics of popular and scholarly sources.

This video provides a quick breakdown of a scholarly journal, and how to read one so you can extract the information you need!

Narrowing your Focus

Broad Topic: college debt

• General and covers too many aspects.

• Doesn't specify a target group or specific effects.

*Tip: Choose something you're passionate about!

Focused Research Question: How does college debt impact the mental health of first generation college students in the United States?

• Specific group: first generation college students

• Location: United States

• Specific focus: college debt and its effect on mental health

*Tip: Use the 5 W's to help you narrow your focus (Who, what, where, when, why)

Key Terms

Find information on your topic in a database, you'll need to come up with key terms. 

How does college debt impact the mental health of first generation college students in the United States?

•  higher education students, first time college students
• debt, tuition, financial aid, loans
• United States, Western cultures, North America
• Mental health, stress, anxiety, depression

Demographics and Contextual Terms

1. Underrepresented students in higher education
2. Educational attainment disparities
3. Academic success of first-generation students
4. College transition experiences of first-gen students
5. Social mobility and higher education
6. Minority college students
7. Low-income and first-gen students
8. Parental education level and college access
9. University persistence in first-generation students

Related Challenges and Experiences

1. College access barriers
2. College readiness and first-gen students
3. Social and academic support for first-gen students
4. Persistence and retention of first-generation students
5. Cultural capital in higher education
6. Financial aid and first-generation students
7. College navigation challenges
8. Higher education equity and access

Database Searching 

Now that you have a list of key terms to describe your topic, combine them and enter them into the database or search bar to find results.

• combination of key terms will determine your results
  • Key terms: first generation students AND college debt AND mental health
• use the filters on the results page to narrow results
  • source
  • date
  • subject

*Tip: Once you find a good source, make sure you email it and use the citation tool to save some time