ENGL 100 (Diaz)

ENGL 100 Assignment

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 9 minute video provides an overview of how to search in 3 suggested databases listed below.

Narrowing Your Focus

Broad Topic: The Fentanyl Crisis

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 has the rising availability of fentanyl impacted teenagers in the United States, and what measures are most effective in preventing overdoses and addiction among this group?

Specific group: teenagers
Location: United States
Specific focus: prevention of overdoses and addiction

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

Key Terms

When finding information on the fentanyl crisis, use key terms to help in your research.

Research Question:
How has the rising availability of fentanyl impacted teenagers in the United States, and what measures are most effective in preventing overdoses and addiction among this group?

• Substance abuse, opioid crisis, synthetic opioids
• Teenagers, adolescents, youth
• United States, North America
• Overdose prevention, harm reduction, addiction treatment

Combining with Broader Social Issues

• fentanyl AND mental health
• opioid crisis AND teens
• overdose prevention in schools
• fentanyl use AND peer pressure
• fentanyl-related deaths AND policies
• drug education AND youth

Areas within the Fentanyl Crisis

• Accessibility through social media
• Policies on harm reduction (e.g., Narcan availability)
• Impact on families and communities
• Role of education in prevention
• Healthcare and treatment gaps
• Law enforcement responses

Database Searching

Use the key terms and their combinations to search databases effectively.

Example Search Query:
fentanyl AND addiction prevention AND teenagers

• Use filters for relevance:
  • Source: Peer-reviewed journals, government reports
  • Date: Focus on recent studies (e.g., 2020–present)
  • Subject: Public health, substance abuse, adolescent psychology

Tip: Once you find a good source, email it to yourself and use the citation tool to save time.