CPSC 240: Computer Ethics - Gavazzi: Search Strategies

Search Strategies

• Use quotes for exact phrases – e.g., "cultural impact" to find that phrase exactly.
• Combine keywords with AND/OR to narrow or broaden results:
  • AND ensures all terms appear (TikTok AND privacy)
  • OR allows for multiple alternatives (creativity OR business promotion)
• Start broad, then refine – begin with general keywords, then add more specific terms as you read articles.
• Notice the language authors use – subject terms, repeated phrases, or synonyms can become new keywords.
  • “digital surveillance,” “online safety,” or “algorithmic influence”
• Try multiple searches – small changes in wording can reveal new articles or perspectives.

Applying Ethical Theories to Your Topic

Important: Don’t expect databases to automatically connect an ethical theory to your topic. Making this connection yourself is a key research and critical thinking skill.

Here’s how:

• Research your topic first – look for articles on TikTok, privacy, youth safety, or social media issues.
• Learn about ethical theories separately – use resources like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy or your textbook.
• Apply the theory to your findings – once you understand both the topic and the ethical framework, connect the two to analyze arguments in your paper.

💡 Researchers often need to make the connection between ethical theory, their topic, and their analysis themselves — it’s not always provided directly in the articles.

Example Research Question

Should TikTok be banned?

This yes-or-no question raises issues related to data privacy, national security, free speech, youth mental health, and government regulation of technology.

First Keywords

• TikTok data privacy
• TikTok cultural impact
• TikTok ban

Combining Keywords

• TikTok AND ("creativity" OR "business promotion")
• TikTok AND ethics AND youth
• TikTok AND (ban OR restriction OR censorship)

Keywords for Ethical Theories 

• Utilitarianism OR “greatest good” OR “outcome-based ethics”
• "Virtue Ethics" OR “character-based ethics” OR “moral character”