The most important part of your search is to try out multiple word combinations of your topic in order to get the best results that you can.
Like we said in Module 1, these journals use a more formal and specific vocabulary so that can make it more difficult to search.
You might have to try out a few different searches to find the right combination of words.
ERIC (more on that in Module 4!) has check boxes/menus to click on the homepage that will let you limit to certain age groups so you can use those instead of adding to the search words. Using those will be more accurate than having them in your search words.
Example Topic Turned into a Search:
Topic:
Importance of art therapy for preschoolers
Search Combinations to try out for that Topic:
Art Therapy as search term in the search box and then use pick "Preschool" from the Education Level box on the bottom of the ERIC page.
You can also try creative therapies as search term in the search box and then use pick "Preschool" from the Education Level box on the bottom of the ERIC page.
Not finding enough results? Try broadening out the above search to play therapy.
Too many results? Try adding something additional to the topic like a specific benefit. Example- Art Therapy in one box and mental health in the second search box.