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Writing 10-24 (Lanser, Spring 2025)

Video: Selecting & Using Keywords

What advice does the narrator provide about selecting and using keywords in your searches?

* from Darrell W. Krueger Library, Winona State University (play until 2:50)

Keywords & Synonyms

Here is a chart with keywords and potential synonyms based on a sample research question:

RQ: Is there a connection between food deserts and increased need for community healthcare centers?
food deserts food access healthy food fast food  
healthcare centers health clinic doctor's office emergency medical services hospital
need health impacts dietary-related diseases nutrients  

In-class exercise

Let's practice now. Here's a link to a Google spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11Lzbp8Z-str-FBDrMKHJzFjKAV2hOHU7HPm571YKqdo/edit?usp=sharing

  • Enter your name in Column A.
  • Enter your research question or topic in Column B. It doesn't have to be perfect. You just need enough of a question or topic so you can practice searching.
  • Enter some likely keywords related to your topic.