RLS Senior Capstone

When searching databases, we can't use natural language (i.e. "What types of ranger-led programs are most beneficial for fostering environmental stewardship at a State Park?")  So, we have to break up our questions into concepts. 

One way that people break up questions is by using "frameworks." A common framework is the PEO framework: 

P: Patient, population, or problem

E: Exposure 

O: Outcome

If we apply the PEO framework to our question above, we end up with something like: 

P: State Park visitors 

E: Ranger-led programs 

O: Environmental stewardship 

Note that frameworks. are not perfect, and not all questions will perfectly fit a framework. They can be helpful guides in mapping out your question, but you don't have to use them! 

Before you start searching, it's useful to engage in a process called Term Harvesting. Term Harvesting is when you take your concept and try to think of many different ways for expressing that concept. You might start by brainstorming synonyms on your own, then you might try talking to your friends/professors for more ideas. As you start searching, you will likely pick up more ways of expressing your concept. 

Note: Term harvesting isn't about thinking of direct synonyms, but rather about brainstorming how someone might speak about your concept in different contexts (how might someone in a newspaper, academic article, or everyday conversation talk about your concept?) Your lists don't need to be exhaustive, but the more terms you have, the more robust your search will be. 

Example of term harvesting: