Database Search Relay

How It Works

• Work in groups.

• Each group gets a research question.

• You’ll search in rounds—picking up where the last group left off.

• Think of it like a relay race: take the baton, make the search stronger, and pass it on.

Rounds

Round 1 – Starter:
Find one relevant article. Record your keywords and filters.

Round 2 – Refiner:
Improve the search—try synonyms, narrower terms, or subject filters. Find a new article.

Round 3 – Focus:
Sharpen the search—limit by date, peer-reviewed sources, or specific populations.

Debrief

After the relay, we’ll discuss:

• What you inherited from the last group.

• What you changed and why.

• How small changes shaped your results.

Wrap-Up

Reflection Question:

What’s one search strategy you’ll use differently after today?

EXAMPLE QUESTION: How does sleep affect academic performance in college students?

Example 1 Responses

Keywords / Phrases Used: Sleep AND College AND "grades"

Filters Applied: Peer Reviewed

Database Used: Library Search Bar

Article Title:

Author(s):

Publication / Source:

Year:

Why this article seemed relevant:

What worked well about this search?

What could the next group improve or try differently?