Research Step by Step

Choosing a Topic

Pre-research is important to discover not only main topics, but sub-topics and related concepts.
Several library databases include a "Browse by Topic" section, which can be used to help you select a topic or subtopic. You may also find inspiration from course materials such as lectures or textbooks or topics in the news.

Websites for Topic Ideas

Not sure what topics are out there? These websites may provide some inspiration.

Keywords are the significant words that reveal the subjects/topics in an information source. In research, these words are used with Boolean operators to find relevant information on a particular topic/subject.

Remember! You are already using keywords when you shop online or use a search engine, but it is necessary to be a bit more intentional when using databases.

Identifying Keywords 
One strategy for identifying keywords is to write out your research question/what you want to know and cross out any insignificant words--leaving the keywords/concepts. 

• Does playing violent video games such as "Grand Theft Auto" impact aggression in teenagers?
  Does playing violent video games such as "Grand Theft Auto" impact aggression in teenagers?

You are now left with the keywords: violent video games, "Grand Theft Auto", aggression, teenagers and the "helper word" of impact.*

*Note: Words like impact, affect, effect, relate, influence etc. hint at what will be addressed by your research. These 'helper words' may or may not always be effective in keyword searching, but sometimes they can be useful in searches when combined with other keywords.

Another strategy is to use the Library catalog or a database to locate a source and look at the subject headings to better inform your next search.

Identifying Synonyms & Related Keywords

Synonyms are alternate keywords that all have the same meaning. Not all authors/indexers use the same terms to talk about a subject, so you want to build a search strategy that includes various terms.

Related keywords are additional words or subtopics that can be used with Boolean operators to locate more precise information on your topic.

Once you have identified keywords and synonyms, the next step is preparing to use Boolean to locate research that is directly related to your topic/research question.

Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) are used between keywords to narrow or broaden your search.

Using Boolean Operators 

• Use AND when you want to narrow your search. (This is the most common operator used by students.)
  • For example, bullying AND mental health. This search will return those sources that include BOTH the topics of bullying and mental health.
• Use OR when you want to broaden your search, or when the same concept is referred to using synonyms.
  • For example: college OR higher education. These terms mean the same thing, but the keyword could be either 'college' or 'higher education', depending on source. By using OR, you may receive an increased number of relevant results.
• Use NOT if you want to eliminate a keyword in results.
  • For example, if you are looking for information on drug abuse, but not the opioid epidemic, you could use a search of drug abuse NOT opioids.

**These operators can be used in various combinations to find the information you need. Often, students find success beginning with just AND, then using other operators as necessary.