|
|
Keyword Searching
After generating a research question, the next step in research is to locate relevant information that will answer that question.
Both print and digital sources will help you answer your research question/s.
Online catalogs, databases, and Google retrieve information using keywords.
Keywords are important words and concepts present in your research question. A quick way to identify keywords is to eliminate all words other than nouns from your research question.
Boolean Operators are used to connect and define the relationship between your search terms. When searching electronic databases, you can use Boolean operators to either narrow or broaden your record sets. The three Boolean operators are AND, OR and NOT.
Your ability to effectively keyword search will positively or negatively impact your search results. Using the right words will speed up the research process, while using the wrong ones can bring your research to a painfully screeching halt.
If the keywords you use first do not provide you with good results, use search strategies. If you still are not able to find information, ask your teacher or librarian for help.
