Library: The Research Process: 1b. Identify Keywords

Tip!

Make a list to keep track of keywords on your topic. Start by listing any synonyms you know and then add new ones you uncover in your search. Keep this list handy when you are researching.

The keywords you use can have a huge impact on your search results. Using the “right” words will speed up the research process, while the “wrong” words can bring to it to a screeching halt.

If the keywords you tried don't give you the needed results, try using other keywords from your list or use the search strategies listed under Step 2.

Keyword Exercise

	Initial Topic	Similar Terms	Broader Terms	Narrower Terms	Related Terms
Example	Kangaroo	Kangaroos roos joeys	Mammalia (class) Marsupialia (order) Macropodidae (family)	Macropus (genus) Giganteus (species) Eastern Gray Kangaroo	Australia Grassland Wallabies
Your Keywords

Identifying Keywords

Before you begin your research, you need to identify keywords on your topic. Key terminology may be found by scanning:

Your initial research questions
Encyclopedia and other articles used for background research
Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

If you are still struggling, then try these suggestions:

Use a print thesaurus or Microsoft Office's thesaurus tool to identify synonyms
Find pictures related to your topic, then describe the picture
Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend

Exercises

Bibliography

Need some help identifying keywords? Try the attached exercise.