SW266-CCM Media Literacy

Taking a few minutes to think about and identify some keywords before starting your search will help you search more efficiently, which will save you time (and probably a little frustration).

• Identify important concepts from your research question (look for nouns)
• Brainstorm some synonyms (to help you find more information)
• Keep track of useful terms you discover during research

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Why Identify Keywords?

You probably already use keyword searching in your own life. For instance, if you're using Google (another search engine), and you need to find information about a coffee shop in your town, what words might you use to search?

Why would you use those words?

Here's what I'd put into the search bar: "Indianapolis Coffee Shop." Like your search, I've tried to get the most important concepts in: I want to find a coffee shop, but not just any coffee shop. I want one in my town, so I add the word Indianapolis.

Whether through a search engine like Google, or through a library database, keywords help you find information.

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Finding New Keywords from Your Search Results

Different subjects will often have their own specific terms to describe something. Keeping an eye out for subject-specific language will give you clues as to which subjects are writing about your research question, and what words you can use to search. 

Here I notice that this is published in the American Journal of Public Health, and that Public Health is used again in the subjects. That suggests to me that I might find research about binge drinking in the subject of public health. Do you notice any subject words that might make good keywords?

Here I notice subject terms relating to psychology. That suggests to me that I can probably find some more research on binge drinking in the area of psychology.

You can use a research log to keep track of where you've searched. Keeping track of where you've searched will save you time as you conduct your research.

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Exploratory Tools

You can use these suggestions while you are developing keywords from your research question:

• Ask a librarian. You don't have to wait until you're stuck! A librarian can help no matter where you are in your research.
• Ask your teacher. Your teacher can help, especially when you're still learning the language of a subject.
• Brainstorm with a classmate: It can be very useful to bring another perspective to your work. Share your research question, and any keywords you've come up with. 

Other resources to come up with keywords:

Look back at class readings or class discussions. Class readings and class discussions are background research, too! You might find that you've covered a topic or concept that will suggest useful keywords.

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Quick Recap

• Key ideas from your research question (think nouns)
• Brainstorm synonyms
• Talk to others to help work out your ideas
• Record useful terms you found doing research. Be open to change.
• Keep track of which keywords worked and didn't work, and the sources you find.

 

used under CC BY-NC 4.0/ modified from original, adapted from Research Now! by UConn Libraries