CHEM 110: Key words are key to researching
Brainstorm keywords - example for a slightly more complex project
How to brainstorm:
1. State your working research question
Working question: "What are the contributing factors that have led to vaping among teenagers?"
2. Extract main concepts, the WHAT and the WHO:
"What are the contributing factors that have led to vaping among teenagers?"
|
Concept 1 WHAT is the main topic? |
Concept 2 WHO does it affect? |
Concept 3 |
| vaping | teenagers |
3. Extract what you are going to explore/research: HOW this happens:
"What are the contributing factors that have led to vaping among teenagers?"
|
Concept 1 WHAT is the main topic? |
Concept 2 WHO does it affect? |
Concept 3 The Research: HOW |
| vaping | teenagers | contributing factors |
4. Brainstorm key words:
| Question: What are the contributing factors that have led to vaping among teenagers? | Concept 1 (WHAT is the main topic?) | Concept 2 (WHO does it affect?) | Concept 3 (the exploration: HOW does this happen?) |
| main key terms from the question: | vaping | teenagers | contributing factors |
| similar words/different forms of the words/synonyms: | vape | adolescents | causes |
| e-cigarettes | 12-18 year olds | influences | |
| other ideas related to the key terms | smoking | high school | peers |
| substance use or abuse | marketing |
Keywords can be:
- synonyms
- related terms
- broader ideas
- narrower ideas
- alternate spellings
- specific examples
- abbreviations or acronyms
Identify your search words
Make a list of search words.
To begin a search successfully, you muse use a variety of words that related to your topic.
- Think of the different words and phrases that people use when they discuss your topic.
- Consider broader and narrower words, and synonyms (words that have the same meaning).
- Identify search words through your background research or ask a librarian for help in finding words that are used in your field of research.
Search smart!
Develop efficient strategies to search for books, articles and websites
- Searching is CREATIVE - use synonyms or different search words to find the sources you need
- LEARN as you search - keep your eyes open for new words or terminology that you find in your sources (book, article or website results). Use this new search vocabulary for your next search
- Be a DETECTIVE- if you find a good source, dig deeper and explore any links or other suggested resources. These will lead you to more information
- Look in MORE THAN ONE PLACE - use all the search tools available to you, such as the library catalog, library databases, and the internet
- GET HELP! Question: How many times have I heard the following? "I just spent three hours trying to search for sources! I am so frustrated!" Answer: A lot. Give it a try for a half and hour. If you feel like you are getting nowhere, it is time to contact me or visit the library!
Brainstorming key words for a basic informational project - example in class
| Main Concept(s) | What about it? | ...for example? | ...and what else? |
| Caffeine | chemical characteristics | structure | |
| health effects | toxicity | ||
| synthesized |
Using keyword brainstorming and 'storytelling' arc to find other sources
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