Break down your thesis into concepts. Develop a list of synonyms.

EXAMPLE: homeschooling AND socialization

Other terms for socialization could be interaction, acculturation, "social behavior" or "social development".
Combining different terms gives you different terms.

Clearly define your thesis statement. Trouble spots to look out for:

Too Broad - EXAMPLE: homelessness

• Solution: add another concept to your topic which will narrow your thesis and make it more focused.
  EXAMPLE: homeless and veteran

Too Narrow - EXAMPLE: homeschooling AND socialization AND "family income"

[NOTE: to search a phrase use quotes]

• Solution: Remove one secondary concept from your thesis.
  EXAMPLE: homeschooling AND socialization AND "family income"

On the results page, you can include or exclude types of publications, content, disciplines, subjects, etc. Look at the options on the left of your screen for ways to limit your search.

• Full Text Online: limits your search to articles full text in various databases or to links to full text in the catalog
• Scholarly & Peer-Reviewed Publications: will provide materials that are scholarly in nature
• Content Type: allows you to limit by the type of source.
• Discipline: Depending on the focus of your research you may want to limit by field of study
• Subject Terms: will pull up a list allowing you to exclude subject headings or limit to more specific subject terms.
• Publication Date: allows you to limit material to a specific date or date range.