Keyword Exercise Worksheet
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Keyword Exercise WorksheetThis worksheet breaks down the steps of picking out your keywords and finding alternate terms to keep handy, like the example to the right does.
Specific Info Need?
When you are searching for specific kinds of studies, it's helpful to use that term along with your keyword to find articles.
Here's an example of combining Qualitative and Conflict Resolution in one search:
Then, use the limiters on the left side of your results page to refine the search further.
Best Using Keywords
The first thing for all research is to identify simple, core concepts (1-2 words) in your topic, plus alternate terms which might be more broad, narrow, or synonymous, like:
- Trade War
- Alternate keywords might include... Commercial Dispute, Tariffs, Protectionism, Trade Barriers, etc.
Be sure to try lots of different combinations of your search terms so you don't miss something of interest, like comparing searches for:
- Gun control AND Structural violence
VS
- Second amendment AND Structural violence
You can try searching the keywords from your topic along with theories or professionals you're familiar with too, such as:
- Environmental issues AND Human needs OR Maslow
- Environmental issues AND Maslow's hierarchy
The worksheet on the left side of this page can help with the keyword development process!
Advanced Search Tip: Understanding Boolean Operators
Think of the advanced search boxes like you were ordering a pizza with your search! The terms you include will combine based on how you connect them with words, like the most common AND / OR / NOT.
