Subject Headings and Search Terms
13 Search Terms
Search Terms
Keywords, or your search terms, are vital to refine so you may retrieve the best results. Sometimes you might struggle with creating them initially, or you will run into the issue of irrelevant results when you query the ones you came up with. This is natural and part of the research process, as you will always come back to better your key words and research questions to ensure you can find the answers you need.
The main concepts or themes you created when developing your research question and concept map(s) should guide your query for related or alternate terms. Synonyms (or connecting words) to your concept terms will help capture all the relevant information needed to help answer your research question.
Tip: try using a thesaurus or adding a thesaurus extension to your browser as a search tool to develop more alternate terms.
Remember that your search strategy should include as many relevant search terms as you can, but within reason! Consider your deadlines, type of research or assignment you’re conducting, your professors’ expectations, and what your responsibilities are as a critical and thoughtful researcher. If you are looking to include more diverse terminology or languages for your research, keep on reading these chapters, our “As You Research” series or Knowledge Justice in the Helping Professions Chapter 4 “Searching for Diverse Voices” for more help!
If you need any support in honing your search terms or strategies, contact us at Western Libraries!
