Brainstorming Keywords
1.Define your research question or topic
Why? Understanding your topic before you dive into searching keeps you focused on your topic and less likely to get sidetracked by irrelevant material.
2.Break it down – Pick out the core concepts
How? Focus on nouns or noun phrases. Avoid generic words like ‘impact’ that can cause you to get general or irrelevant results.
3.Identify related terms for each core concept
Why? Search engines and some databases can suggest related topics, but it’s useful to try multiple searches using similar terms.
How? Brainstorm or search online for synonyms or related words
HOW IT WORKS:
1. What is the impact of dams on the fish of the Klamath Basin?
2. What is the impact of dams on the fish of the Klamath Basin?
3. Dams – hydroelectric dam, “Copco Number 2 Dam,” diversion dam, floodgate, water management
Fish – C’waam, “Lost River sucker,” Koptu, “Shortnose sucker,” salmon, trout
Klamath Basin – “Klamath river,” Oregon rivers, “Upper Klamath,” drainage basin, watershed
TIPS: Search exact phrases by using quotation marks; Use broader or narrower terms and related words as synonyms
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Created for educational purposes by: Bronwen K. Maxson (bmaxson[at]uoreogn.edu) and Nico Floresca (nicof[at]uoregon.edu)
