Begin with a broad search: Search for information using the single most important term related to your topic. Use this type of search when looking for basic background information.
As you refine your topic, conduct specific searches: Search for information by combining key concepts using the words you have brainstormed using Boolean operators and modifiers. Each concept/word should be separated by an operator. Use this kind of search when looking for specific evidence related to your claim/thesis.
Getting Too Many Irrelevant Results? Add more search terms for narrower results.
Getting Too Few Relevant Results? Change, switch out, or remove some search terms for more accurate or broader results.