Break down your search 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 search statement. Trouble spots to look out for:
Too Broad - EXAMPLE: homelessness
Too Narrow - EXAMPLE: homeschooling AND socialization AND "family income"
[NOTE: To search a phrase use quotes]
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.
PUBLICATION DATE allows you to limit material to a specific date or date range.
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.