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Masters of Accounting

Getting Started: Searching with Keywords

  • Click on the Advanced Search link.

Basic search screen of Business Source Premier with Advanced Search screenbutton highlighted.

  • Couple 2 or more keywords together for a smaller results list.
  • Change the drop-down to search for one term OR another when searching for synonyms (see screengrab below).
  • Tip: Keyword searching is an art not a science. Try different terms and combinations for the best results.

Screengrab of Business Source Premier with Boolean drop-down OR selected.

Change your Terms

  • Scroll through your results; if your results don't look relevant, try these suggestions:
    • Change your keywords to related terms or synonyms.
    • Find an article that looks relevant and review the Subjects provided. Choose the Subject that seems most relevant and search for it instead.

Business Source Premier result screen with Subject Headings section highlighted.

Refining Options

  • Remove unhelpful items from your results list using the following limiters from the Refine Results panel:
    • Date
    • Source Type

Screenshot of Business Source Premier with the date and source types limiters highlighted.

There are two ways you can effectively use the Abstract in your research.

1. Search the Abstract

  • Enter your keywords as normal, but change the drop-down to search your terms in the Abstract. This should lead to a results list that is:
    • Smaller
    • More relevant

Screenshot of Business Source Premier search screen with the Abstract option highlighted in the drop-down menu.

2. Review Your Results Quickly

  • Read the Abstract to determine if the article is about your research topic.
  • This brief summary can help you choose the best articles without a lot of reading.
  • Tip: Click on the Show More link to view the abstract on the main screen.

Screenshot of Business Source Premier result with the abstract icon highlighted.