Set Yourself Up For Success!
Keywords are the first (and, often, most skipped) step in your research. We can talk about the same issues using completely different words; if you only identify one of those words to search, you might miss some key research! Searches for a computer vs. a Dell vs. a desktop will get you very different results, after all. There are different ways to do this, with some outlined below to help you get started.
Concept Mapping
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.
- Concept Map PlanningThis is a fillable worksheet to help you develop your topic a bit more before diving into your research, which will help you create key words and phrases that are more useful to your searches.
- Blank Concept MapIf you want to have a space to begin your concept mapping, use this document as you work through the worksheet above.
Keywords
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.
- Keyword DevelopmentThis is a worksheet that explains the process of finding & choosing key words before presenting the same exercise for you to do for your topic.