Quick Search

“Quick search” also known as “Quick’n’Dirty”, is a search method often used early in the process of searching for literature.

Quick search usually consists of multiple simple searches for different words, terms, synonyms or theories related to your topic or research question.

You will typically do searches in Primo, on Google, on government agency sites or other sources introduced to you during your studies. 

If you find that your results are not relevant enough, we recommend using synonyms. For example compassion fatigue instead of burnout.

A basic search in Google might look like this:

A quick search will give you a sense of which keywords are useful and will offer results you can use in your assignment.

It will help you find relevant books, journals, websites, government agency sites and researchers.

You will need to be very source critical when performing basic searches, as many of the results will be from non-relevant sources.

Write down your search words, possible relevant sources and researchers in a search profile and keep track of your search process regularly.