topic2

2-Keywords

3-Books

4-Articles

5-Internet

NCC Library

Identifying Keywords

What Are Keywords and Keyword Phrases?

Computers do not understand our language, so we need to translate research questions into
the words and phrases a database can identify.

Keywords and keyword phrases are the words that best represent the information
you are seeking.
Keywords and keyword phrases are almost always nouns.
If you find a verb or action word that you think might work in a search,
use it in its noun form, if possible (i.e. imprisoned becomes imprisonment).

Finding Keywords in a Question

A well-written research question may contain words or phrases that can be used as keywords
in a computer search. Study these examples:

EXAMPLES:

Research Question: Is the death penalty biased against minorities?

Keywords: 1. death penalty 2. minorities

Research Question: What are the hereditary factors associated with schizophrenia?

Keywords: 1... heredity (noun form of hereditary) 2. schizophrenia

Research Question: Would legalizing marijuana reduce crime?

Keywords: 1. legalization (noun form of legalizing) 2. marijuana 3. crime

NEXT: Choosing Additional Keywords.

Research Question:	Is the death penalty biased against minorities?
Keywords:	1. death penalty 2. minorities

*Research Question*:	What are the hereditary factors associated with schizophrenia?
*Keywords*:	1... heredity (noun form of hereditary) 2. schizophrenia

*Research Question*:	Would legalizing marijuana reduce crime?
*Keywords*:	1. legalization (noun form of legalizing) 2. marijuana 3. crime