Writing 10 (Porter, Spring 2024)

University of West Florida, John C. Pace Library, 3:50

As you watch the video, consider:

1. What do you put in a database’s search box?
2. What is a keyword?
3. How do you go from a research question to a keyword?
4. How many keywords should you use?
5. What are some strategies for developing related keywords?

Identify the key concepts in your topic:

How do hacking and cyberattacks on banks in the United States impact bank customers and banking services?

Brainstorm for related terms:

hacking:

• cyberterrorist
• cyberpunk

banks:

• banking
• financial institutions: insurance, finance, investment firms

customers:

• clients
• services

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

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