MUSC 114: Connecting Through Music (Schreibman)

Perhaps you generate your keywords (and alternate keywords) in the concept map. Or perhaps, you prefer to generate a cleaner looking list, like the worksheet below directs you to. If you have a research question already started, you can identify your keywords and come up with alternate words, or you use that research question to start a concept map.

It really is what works best for your brain! Just make sure you're coming up with multiple keywords and writing it down! 

Identifying & Developing Keywords

• Use your research statement or question to identify initial keywords.
• Keywords can include similar words or opposites. Try to think of some alternate words or use a thesaurus to help.
  PRO TIP: Databases usually have a subject index you can look through for more terms.
• See if the abstract of articles or book summaries provide additional terminology you can use in searches
• Get creative! If things aren't working out, ask yourself what is missing or disconnected and try alternate words.

Concept mapping is just one approach to keyword development & brainstorming as well as the keyword worksheet.

Example from CUNY Guttman Community College

Use the worksheets below to create and use a constructive concept map for your own research topic.