Getting Started: Keywords
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Here are some general tips to guide you in choosing your search terms:
- Use keywords or brief (2-word) phrases instead of sentences -- one or two for each part of your topic.
- Use nouns and verbs as your keywords. Avoid most adjectives and adverbs. Think of words that are likely to be used in titles (or that you have seen in titles).
- If your keywords aren't turning up many results, you may need to:
- Try thinking of synonyms or other ways of phrasing your topic. If you can find one or two relevant articles, check to see what subjects are listed for them and try to build keywords from there.
- Try a broader search (broader topic, broader date-range, etc.)
- If you are able to find an article or book on your topic, the database may list keywords or subject terms relevant to your topic. Use these words listed by the database, or in the article.
- You can also read the title and abstract of the article to find relevant keywords.
- Keyword BrainstormingUse this worksheet to start brainstorming keywords and searches for your topic.
Suggested Databases
Recommended Databases
- SocINDEX This link opens in a new window
Journal articles, and citations for books, conference proceedings, and other resources, in the field of sociology.
- America: History and Life This link opens in a new window
Journal articles, book chapters and magazines about the history of the United States and Canada, 1450-present.
- JSTOR Arts & Sciences This link opens in a new window
Journal articles in almost every subject area, including some historical articles back to the 17th century.
Data & Statistics Databases
- ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the U.S. This link opens in a new window
Statistics relating to social, political and economic conditions in the United States.
- Sage Data This link opens in a new window
Statistical data in a wide range of subject areas, with tools for searching, analyzing and visualizing.