Once you start searching, look at the articles in your results to identify other keywords or ideas.
You have a thesis statement and you've chosen a database to start your research. What keywords should you start with? Database keywords, called subject terms, should be as specific as possible. Start by using the main ideas of your thesis statement.
Social media can be harmful for teens because it exposes them to online bullying and affects their mental health.
One way to quickly identify the main ideas of a thesis statement is to cross out the unimportant words:
Social media can be harmful for teens because it exposes them to online bullying and affects their mental health.
We’re left with our main ideas: social media, teens, online bullying, and mental health
Words that are adjectives or verbs like exposes or harmful won’t add anything precise to our search.
Using the right keywords can affect how relevant your results are. When you did your pre-research and took notes, (especially if you read the overview for your topic in Opposing Viewpoints), you probably have an assortment of keywords to further your research.
Keywords fall into three main categories: Broad, Narrow, and Related.
Broad: More general categories
Narrow: A specific category
Related: Synonyms or similar terms, or terms that are connected to your topic