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MUSC 306: Music History II

This is a guide to music history research, specifically created as a resource for the MUSC306 course and assignment needs.

Finding the Right (Key)Words

Finding good sources starts with finding the right keywords and planning ahead. When you have a diverse search strategy and look in different places, you should take time to think of related terms to your starting keywords. Some places you search could use different 

Instrument: Steel Drums from Trinidad and Tobago

Steel Drums OR Steelpans OR Pans OR Steel Band OR Steel Percussion

Now your turn! What are some alternate keywords for Trinidad and Tobago?

Keywords

If you have a research question already started, you can identify your keywords and come up with alternate words using something like the worksheet below suggests, or you could even work on a concept map to connect ideas more visually.

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.