Identifying Keywords
The keywords you use can have a profound impact on the results of your research. Using the “right” words will speed up the research process, while the “wrong” words can bring to it to a halt.
Before you can begin searching for information, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:
- Your research questions
- Articles found from background research
- Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles
If you are still struggling:
- Use a thesaurus to identify synonyms.
- Find pictures related to your topic, then describe them.
- Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend.
Tracking Keywords
Make a list or use the chart below to track keywords related to your topic. 
Keep it by your side when you start your research.
Tip!
Struggling to identify #keywords based on your #topic?
Try this idea... which words would you #hashtag if it was a #social network feed?