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MSI: Methods of Scientific Inquiry: Find Articles

For your Methods in Scientific Inquiry class. Links to scholarly, reliable IRC resources + search tips

Primo Search Box

IRC Search Page

At this link you can search:

  • Print collection 
  • All IMSA subscribed electronic databases for articles
  • Numerous ebook collections we have access to through our consortium. These collections ARE NOT included in the individual databases listed below
  • Searches by ebook chapter which can provide you with additional search results
  • Scholarly open access journal articles

Because of the large number of resources available through the consortium and the open access journals, I recommend you begin your search with the search box.

I recommend you start your search by selecting the Article Search

Search Tips

  • Use strong keywords: Pick out the most important words/concepts in your research question. Use keywords such as those experts and scholars would use. These are usually nouns
  • Avoid terms that can be used in many settings (like effect, impact, develop)
  • Use Advanced Search and group keywords by concept: Use OR between synonyms (expands your results); use AND to combine different subjects (narrows your results)
    • dental OR teeth OR tooth OR oral
    • acid AND batteries
  • Search multiple endings of a word: Use asterisk, e.g., econom* for economy, economic, economies
  • Search exact phrases: Use double quotes. "coral reef"
  • Limit results: Choose publication years, scholarly or peer-reviewed, full text, etc.
  • Sort results: Choose most recent first or most relevant first

General Science Databases

Science Specific Databases

General Databases