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Writing 10 (Kennedy): Key Words & Search Terms

Key Word Chart

Look for alternate terms for each concept in your topic.

related keywords graphic

Topics, Concepts & Terms

working with topics

images from http://office.microsoft.com

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 -- 2/28 session

Share Research Questions -- 3/4 session

Identify Key Concepts and Terms

Identify the key concepts in your topic:

What impact do romantic relationships have on teenagers' happiness?

Brainstorm for related terms:

"romantic relationships"

  • boyfriend / girlfriend / partner
  • dating
  • "going out"

happiness

  • "quality of life"
  • satisfaction

 

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)