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WRI 10 (Epstein-Corbin): Key Words & Search Terms

Key Word Chart

Look for alternate terms for each concept in your topic.

related keywords graphic

Keywords vs. Subjects

keywords vs subjects chart

Share Your Topics & Keywords

Click on the link for your Writing 10 section and enter your topic and keywords on the Google spreadsheet.

Share Research Questions

Identify Key Concepts and Terms

Identify the key concepts in your topic:

How can precious metals in cell phones be recycled more effectively?

Brainstorm for related terms:

"precious metals"
copper
silver
tin
gold
tungsen
minerals
"rare earth elements"
"rare metals"

"cell phones" 
smartphone
mobile phones

recycled
reused
urban mining
repurpose
reclaim

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

Tips for Finding Keywords & Subject Headings

 
  • 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. (Example)