Identifying Keywords

Objective: Students will be able to identify keywords from a research

question.

Before beginning your search for information, you must determine which words in your research question are the most important.

Keywords are used to find information on your question when searching library catalogs, article databases, web search engines, and book indexes.

You must first start with an effective research question.

Then it is easy to identify the keywords in the question.

These keywords are then connected together using Boolean operators to create search statements. These statements are then used to search library catalogs, article databases, and web search engines.

Example Search Statement:

Relationships AND (children OR stepchildren) AND “Blended Family”

Let’s look at some examples of effective research questions and the keywords found in each question and how you would use them to search for information. Keep in mind that verbs are usually not good keywords.

Research Question:What effect did tomb robbers have on archaeological excavations of King Tut’s tomb?

Keywords: tomb robbers, archaeological excavations, King Tut, tomb

Example search using the keywords in SIRS database.

Image from: http://faculty.maxwell.syr.edu/gaddis/hst210/sept9/default.htm

Research Question:What is the relationship between gender, race, and class in a graphic novel?

Keywords: gender, race, class, graphic novel

Example search using some of the keywords in the Academic Search Premier database .Image from: http://www.stanford.edu/group/cwstudents/shakegirl/

Research Question:What changes were made to the space shuttle program following the Columbia disaster in 2003?Keywords: changes, space shuttle, program, Columbia, disaster

Example search using the keywords in Google.

Different authors may use different terms to describe the same information. When searching, consider using synonyms or related words to describe your research question. This will expand your search.

Synonyms or related words to use when searching can be found in a variety of different places including thesaurus websites such as Visuwords and Thesaurus.com.

You can also use Wikipedia or the index of a general encyclopedia such as World Book to find related words and phrases.

Example:

Keyword Phrase – “Global Warming”

Related Terms – Deforestation, Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change, Species Extinction

Synonyms/Related Words ExampleResearch Question:How has the internet changed the way teenagers communicate?

Keywords: Internet, Teenagers, Communicate

Keywords in Question

Internet Teenagers Communicate

Synonyms or Related Words

WWW Teens RelateWorld Wide Web Adolescents Interact

The Web Youth

Example search using keywords and related words in Academic Search Premier.

Synonyms/Related Words ExampleResearch Question:How do relationships between children in a blended family develop?

Keywords:Relationships, Children, “Blended Family”

Keyword in Question

Relationships Children Blended Family

Synonyms/Related Words

bonds Step children Step family

connections Step siblings

Example search using keywords and related words in Google.

Summing UpKeywords represent the important ideas found in your research question.

You can use keywords to find information about your research question by searching:

• search engines• article databases• library catalogs

It is also important to identify synonyms or related words to search because different authors may use different terms.