What a fantastic question! Selecting keywords is one of the most important steps to finding relevant sources. Here are some tips:
- Focus on the main ideas of your research topic - Identify the key phrases, words, and concepts within your research question. For example: How does social media impact high school students' self-esteem? The main ideas (keywords) = social media and high school students and self-esteem
Consider alternative ways to express the main ideas - Brainstorm synonyms or like words for your keywords. For example, if one of your main ideas is social media, you could also search with Facebook or Snapchat.
Credo Reference, a PC Library database, is a source for background information. When you look up a concept (main idea) in Credo Reference, it automatically creates a Mind Map, a visual representation of your search results. You can use the Mind Map to help you think up alternative keywords.
- Avoid using abstract or implied keywords - Using relationship words (e.g. compare, contrast, causes, effects, impact) and judgment words (e.g. best, worst, advantages, disadvantages) might exclude relevant information merely because these exact words aren't being used by the author. Leave out these words and then judge for yourself if the source meets your needs.
- Match your keywords to library database terminology - Sources in PC Library databases (accessible via One Search) are assigned at least one subject heading. When you find a good resource, take a look at its subjects to discover alternative words. In the example below, the keyword "adolescents" is used instead of "high school students."
