Type in a search term and browse the results to get a sense of some of the issues addressed on your starting concept.
You use keywords to search library tools or the web. Keywords are search terms that describe the specific concepts or issues of your assignment theme and/or topic. Here are a few tips about using keywords:
Put phrases in quotes:
Ex: "gender roles."
Keywords have synonyms:
Ex: for tv, also try television, television programs ... children's televison, soap operas, broadcasting, media, or popular culture.
Strategize both broader and narrower keywords to help you find relevant info and to help you find and focus your exact topic:
Ex: Broader for tv = media, popular culture, broadcasting
Ex: Narrower for tv = children's television, soap operas, television news...
Combine keywords with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" to get more relevant results.
Ex: Use "AND" to combine terms to narrow and focus your search (women AND combat)
Ex: Use "OR" to combine terms and broaden your search (men OR masculinity).
Truncate to search for multiple forms of a word
Ex: teen* = teens, teenagers, etc.
Write down the keywords and subject terms you come across as you research!
Use a concept map to lay out different aspects of your starting topic.
This can help you:
Use the worksheets below for more tips on keywords and search strategy - and to begin to map out your own!.