How to Conduct Academic Research

A keyword is defined as

" the most important word in a title or sentence", while a keyword search is

"a system of searching a database by using combinations of special words connected with the subject of the search".

The keywords you use have a direct impact on the results of your research. Before you can begin searching for information, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning: 

• Your textbooks or other coursework
• Background research about your topic
• Bibliographies (usually found at the end of books and articles)

If you are still searching for good keywords:

• Use a thesaurus to find synonyms or related terms.
• Try this keyword generator from the University of Texas at Austin.
• Brainstorm keywords with your professor, a classmate, or a SC4 librarian.

Text: keyword: Stevenson, Janet. Dictionary of Information and Library Management. vol. 2nd ed, A&C Black Business Information and Development, 2006. EBSCOhost, sc4.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xna&AN=217288&site=ehost-live&scope=site.