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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research: Step-by-Step

Research artificial intelligence (AI) using NWACC Library databases. This guide helps you find peer-reviewed scholarly articles, current news, and resources on AI ethics, bias, privacy, and real-world applications.

🔍 Search Smarter with These Tips

Good searching saves time. On this page you’ll learn a few simple tricks—like using quotes, synonyms, and filters—that make it easier to find what you need. Use these strategies in any database or search tool.

Quick tip: Start simple—pick 2–3 keywords (e.g., AI + ethics + education). You can always add more terms or filters later.


  • Use quotation marks → “artificial intelligence” keeps the words together
  • Try synonyms → AI OR “machine learning” OR “neural networks”
  • Filter results → use limiters like Peer-Reviewed, Date Range, or Full Text
  • Mix keywords → AI AND education, AI AND healthcare, AI AND ethics
  • Start broad, then narrow → begin wide, then add filters or extra keywords

✅ Quick Search Checklist

  1. Choose your keywords

    • Start with 2–3 main ideas (example: AI, education, ethics).
    • Think of synonyms or related terms you can swap in.

  2. Build your search

    • Use AND to connect ideas (AI AND ethics).
    • Use OR for synonyms (AI OR “machine learning”).
    • Use quotation marks for phrases (“artificial intelligence”).

  3. Run your search and adjust

    • Too many results? Add another keyword or a date filter.
    • Too few results? Remove a keyword or try a broader synonym.
    • Use the database’s Peer-Reviewed filter if your assignment requires it.

  4. Save what you find

    • Download or email articles you want to use.
    • Keep track of where you found them for citations.

👉 If your first search doesn’t work, don’t give up! Try synonyms, change the date range, or add/remove keywords. Searching is a process, not a one-time step.


🔗 Search Hacks

Want more tips and tricks? Check out our Search Hacks guide for quick ways to sharpen your searches, save time, and get better results across any database or search tool.