Skip to Main Content

COMM 260 Bown: Topic to Keywords

In the research process: Identify keywords from your topic.

1. Explore topic context & primary sources (the open web)
2. Learn the background (library catalog: books)
3. Scholarly conversations (library databases: journal articles)
4. Support your argument (source citation)
5. Rinse, repeat; drafts & revisions (research librarians, writing center)

 

 

Topics

You may find current information about your topic in websites as these tend to be updated frequently. This is "news," and as the word itself indicates, the information is new. Try to locate news sources from reliable sources such as newspapers or magazines that are well established. 

Example news article.

Use your research topic to make a keyword list

What can colleges do to promote sustainability programs on a campus?


Keywordsustainability.

Synonyms include recycling, waste reduction.

Keyword: promote.

Synonyms include advocate, foster, grow, encourage

Keyword: colleges.

Synonyms include universities, campuses, higher education

Keyword: Programs.

Synonyms include methods, initiatives, projects

Knowledge check: select the best answer below

Identify the 3 key concepts in this research question: "How do ocean temperatures influence the migration patterns of great white sharks?"
ocean temperatures, influence, great white sharks: 0 votes (0%)
ocean temperatures, migration patterns, great white sharks: 0 votes (0%)
influence, migration patterns, great white sharks: 0 votes (0%)
how do, influence: 0 votes (0%)
Total Votes: 0