What is a Keyword?
A list of words that will help you find information in all of your sources are called keywords. They are like synonyms and related words to your topic.
How to Use Keywords
Use an online Thesaurus to look up synonyms to your main concepts.
From Broad to Narrow
Thinking about your Topic from Broad to Narrow
Example:I'm thinking of doing a paper on fashion. This topic could develop in many different ways.
Hint: Ask Yourself Questions About Your Topic:
- What do you know about it? What don't you know?
- What aspects of your topic interest you: historical, sociological, psychological, etc.
- What types of information do you need?
- Periodical articles, books, essays, encyclopedia articles?
- Statistics?
| Stress | Crowding stress in prisons |
| Divorce | Effects of divorce on school performance of children |
Suicide |
Gender differences in adolescent suicide |
Eating disorders |
Group psychotherapy for bulimia |
Review Keywords throughout the Research Process
Throughout your research update and review your keywords!
- Fill out the Keywords worksheet and add to it as you continue to learn more about your topic
- Use the Related Topics link in the databases and when you find a term that gives you good information, add it to your list.
Using Advanced Search
