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Research 101

What are keywords?

Keywords are specific words or phrases that capture the main ideas of your research topic. They help you find relevant information in search engines and library databases by matching your search terms with the words used in articles, books, and other resources. Using the right keywords makes it easier to locate sources that are closely related to your research questions or interests, and by extension, helps save you time and energy while you are doing research!

Choosing effective keywords

Mind maps are a useful way to visualize your topic! You can use an online tool, like Credo's Mind Map, or you can draw it out on a sheet of paper or a whiteboard!

Check out Credo's Mind Map tool through this link: Credo Mind Map.

 

Topic Finder is a similar tool to Credo's Mind Map, it works by taking your keyword and showing you other keywords that are most often found in search results for your original keyword.

Check out the Topic Finder tool through this link: Topic Finder

 

Need some help with your keywords? Give this exercise a try!