Final answer:
Use the Boolean operator AND between search topics when looking for overlapping research material. Generating key terms and synonyms can broaden the search and lead to more sources. Experiment with different keyword combinations to enhance your research.
Step-by-step explanation:
When searching for research on more than one topic area, you should use the word(s) AND between search topics to find overlapping material. This use of AND is a part of Boolean operators, a system which helps refine and focus searches within databases by linking together different concepts. For example, if researching the impact of climate on fall foliage colors, you might use a search string like "water availability" AND "temperature effects" AND "tree foliage patterns".
To enhance your research, it is also important to generate a list of key terms and synonyms related to your subject. This approach allows you to explore a more comprehensive set of sources which may not be immediately obvious from initial searches. Remember to experiment with different combinations of key terms and their synonyms to maximize the breadth and depth of your research findings.