Choosing Keywords
When conducting research the words you choose are as important as the places where you search - this guide will help you choose effective terms.
Choosing Effective Keywords
How To Choose Effective Keywords
1. When searching in library databases it's not effective to enter the entire research topic or question like you would in Google. Instead, you want to break down your topic or question into keywords. Ask yourself what are the main points or ideas of your topic?
Please note screenshots depict EBSCO databases, but all database platforms work in similar ways.
2. Let's say you were researching methods for encouraging student engagement in high school students in rural communities, your keywords would be: rural communities, student engagement and high school.
3. It is also useful to brainstorm alternate keywords for your topic. These can be synonyms, sub topics you are interested in, related terms, etc.
There are also words that aren't useful as keywords. Such as "effect" or "benefit". Instead, try to brainstorm specific effects or benefits to use as keywords. If you find an article you like look at their "Abstract," and "Subjects" to find new keywords.
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