Research Process: A Step-By-Step Guide: 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 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.
• Use a keyword generator.

Struggling to identify #keywords based on your #topic?

Try this instead... what words would you #hashtag if you were posting to a #social network feed?

"How to Choose Keywords" by McMaster University Library is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. 

Make a list or use the chart above to track keywords related to your topic.

Keep it by your side when you start your research.