Break your topic down into its basic parts...
Identify the Main Concepts
Write your research question down. Underline the main ideas in that question.
Example: How does aging affect memory loss?
Make a list of keywords
For each concept, make a list of keywords related to it. Use synonyms, and go back to your background research to find academic vocabulary and terms.
Example: Aging, elderly, seniors, aged, growing older, senescent, old age, geriatric...
For help developing a search strategy, schedule an appointment with your Librarian.
Or use this work sheet to guide you:
Keyword: A word used to search for information in a search engine or library resource. A good keyword will relate to one of the main concepts of your research question. Using a keyword in a search will bring up articles that use that word in a significant or important way.
This slideshow will go over the steps of creating an effective search strategy. Watch it to gets tips for turning your research question into a search strategy.
