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Writing 10 (Ayik): Key Words & Search Terms

College Reading & Composition

Key Word Chart

Look for alternate terms for each concept in your topic.

related keywords graphic

Keywords vs. Subjects

keywords vs subjects chart

Tips for Finding Keywords & Subject Headings

  • Use a visual thesaurus like Snappy Words, Visuwords, or GraphWords
  • Use references sources like Credo Reference to get background information and key words.

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  • Most EBSCO databases have a tool to help you discover subject terms. See EBSCO Academic Search Complete > Subject Terms
  • Most ProQuest databases have a tool to help you discover subject terms: See PsycInfo > Thesaurus
  • When you find a useful article, look at the database Subject Headings and record them as possible search terms. (Example)

 

Identify Key Concepts and Terms

Identify the key concepts in your topic:

Will social media's use of facial recognition destroy privacy?

Brainstorm for related terms:

"social media"
"social networks"
facebook

"facial recognition" 
"pattern recognition"
"face recognition"
"feature extraction"
"face tracking"
"face detection"

privacy
"internet privacy"
"internet security"
"data security"
"personal information"
"network security"

Try Academic Search Complete > Subject Terms to find subject headings for your topic.