Before you begin using a library database or search engine (like OneSearch), it is a good idea to write down all the keywords and phrases that describe your topic or the information you're seeking.
You should also write down any synonyms or related terms. These keywords and phrases can be your search terms.
[Jessica: Changes search example to something history related]
Here is an example of a search using keywords and synonyms:
Research question: Does television viewing encourage aggressive behavior in children?
A simple search could be:
television AND "aggressive behavior" AND children
A complex search could be:
(aggressive OR aggression OR fighting) AND (children OR adolescents) AND (television OR TV)
Not all authors use the same terms when they write. One author can refer to one concept by one word, while another uses another word.
Having synonyms for your keywords will improve your results when you search the databases by not restricting yourself to one word.
Let's say you have the following assignment:
Identify and analyze the theme for Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado."
One popular theme for this short story is revenge. One article may refer to the word revenge, while another may use the word retribution. These two words are synonyms. By using both of them as keywords, you'll get more results in your search.
Using an article database is different than using an online search engine, like Google. For a Google search, you might copy and paste the research question in the search box and click on "search". You might get some good results that are related to your question (or you might not).
Research databases do not work that way. Databases use keywords when you do your search, which is why it is so important to have a good selection before starting your research.
So, what's a keyword?
A keyword is the concept that the research question is about. It can be one word or various words, called key phrases. Put simply, keywords are the words that are important in the question.
These websites provide further explanation of keywords and how to find them:
Identify Keywords that Describe your Topic: From the Empire State College, State University of New York
Listing Keywords: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Content created by Holly Samuels and Jim Constantine.