Keywords help you search for and locate information. When searching, it's important to have a variety of keywords to try. Saying something in a different way or using a different keyword can help you find a variety of sources. Keywords are especially important when you are searching in databases since databases require more exact terms and phrases than Google.
Here are some steps to help you get started developing keywords.
- Write down your topic
- Identify key concepts in your topic
- For each concept, brainstorm related terms
- Tip: Related terms can be broad or narrow.
Keywords example:
- Topic: The effects of eating habits on teenagers
- Key concepts: Eating habits, teenagers
| Concept |
Eating habits |
Teenagers |
| Related terms |
Nutrition, Diet, Health, Fitness |
Adolescents, Teens, Youth, Students |
Now combine your keywords using AND and OR
- AND narrows your results by looking for materials with all the words so you get fewer results
- OR broadens your results by looking for materials with any of the words so you get more results
Example:
- Teenagers AND Nutrition OR Diet
- Adolescents OR Youth AND Eating habits
