Graduate Research Process: 1c. Identify Keywords

Make a list or use the chart below to keep track of keywords related to your topic. Keep it by your side when you start your research. If one term does not have the results you expected, you have your list ready to try other terms or to combine terms.

If the keywords you choose initially do not give you the results you need, try the others on your list or use the search strategies listed under Step 2f.

Need some help identifying keywords? Try this exercise:

Developing Your Research Question

YOUR TOPIC: __________________________________                    GENRE: ______________________

Once you have identified your topic, think about questions your research might help you answer. In other words, state your topic as a question. Remember, your question may change as you learn more about your topic. That’s OK!

Write what you THINK you know about your topic.

Develop 3-5 more questions about your topic.

Use the chart below to brainstorm keywords for your topic. Hint: use keywords from the description and questions above.

Note: The keywords you choose will become essential for searching catalogs, websites, and databases. Keywords can have a profound influence on the results of your research. Using the “right” word will speed up the research process while the “wrong” word can bring to it to a complete halt.

Before you can begin searching for information in a print or online resource, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:

• Your initial research questions
• Books and articles used when conducting background research
• Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

If you are still struggling, then try these suggestions:

• Most online databases offer a thesaurus or suggested subject terms; explore those
• Find pictures related to your topic, then describe the picture
• Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend