Developing a search strategy before searching is important as library databases operate differently than Google. In Google, you can search using any number of words, including an entire research question. Library databases, on the other hand, operate around keywords which requires you to be deliberate in the 2 or 3 keywords you choose to search with.

Keywords are main phrases or nouns that are related to your research topic or question. Concepts, materials, processes, and ideas are common types of keywords. Creating a list of keywords before searching in a library database will help you develop a successful search strategy.

Why Develop Keywords?

Developing a list of keywords is important for two reasons.

First, authors will often describe a similar concept or idea but use slightly different words. Using synonyms will help you find all of the articles available on your topic.

Second, developing keywords can help broaden or narrow your topic. Taking a few minutes to brainstorm topics that are related to your research topic will help you find either potential subtopics to explore or help broaden you search if your topic is too specific.