SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology

What are your keywords?

Choosing keywords (search terms) is a very important part of conducting your literature search. You may need to experiment with multiple terms to find the ones that bring up the best results. This might be a related term like a synonym, or a variation of the word (e.g., singular vs. plural).

• Don't enter a full research question into a library database. Instead, break your topic down into its component concepts.
  • Example: What roles does social media play in protest movements?
    • Concepts: social media, protest movements
• For each concept, consider possible synonyms as well as broader or narrower terms.
  • Write down a list of terms to refer back to and help inform your searching. Add to and edit this list as your research progresses.

How do I use my keywords to create a search?

• In library databases, use the Advanced Search form and put each concept on its own line
• Try different keywords and combinations of keywords
  • Combine synonyms together to expand your search and retrieve the maximum number of articles on your topic
    • Use OR to combine like terms
    • Use AND between each separate concept

Pro Tip!

• If you find one article you like, use that article's bibliography to identify other possible sources.