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Database Searching. Choosing Keywords. Library tutorial by J. Forte June 10, 2014. Searching a database or the internet gives more accurate results when you break down your topic into keywords and phrases. Keywords Phrases Words words.
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Database Searching Choosing Keywords Library tutorial by J. Forte June 10, 2014
Searching a database or the internet gives more accurate results when you break down your topic into keywords and phrases. Keywords Phrases Words words
Online research is easy! Just type in a few words, and POOF! Instant results….. Elderly Elderly Elderly
old people But, computers only look for the words you typed and not the idea you meant. Different words can represent the same idea, so choose your words carefully. Change your words and you change your meaning. Old age retirees aged Elderly senility
Write down your research topic, then select the most important words from that topic. These are the “keywords” you’ll use for your online research. How does drinking affect college students’ performance in school? college students drinking performance in school
For each keyword think of alternatives (synonyms). Alcohol, alcohol abuse, alcoholism, binge drinking drinking University students college students You’ll need these alternatives in case your first choice doesn’t produce good results.
Avoid using complex phrases as key words. Try to think of a more precise term. students’ performance in school grades, academic achievement By the way, computers ignore words such as by, in, of, & for, so using them will not improve your search.
Select appropriate keywords for this topic How does indoor air pollution affect the development of asthma in children? pollution, children indoor pollution, asthma indoor pollution, asthma, children children, breathing problems indoor pollution Click the box of the appropriate answer
Select appropriate keywords for this topic How does indoor air pollution affect the development of asthma in children? pollution, children indoor pollution, asthma indoor pollution, asthma, children children, breathing problems indoor pollution No, the correct answer is the third one. The other options do not have enough keywords.
Select appropriate keywords for this topic How does indoor air pollution affect the development of asthma in children? pollution, children indoor pollution, asthma indoor pollution, asthma, children children, breathing problems indoor pollution Yes, all three aspects of this topic are covered by these keywords. The other options do not have enough keywords.
When you type an online search, what does the computer look for? Ideas or concepts All synonyms for your word The word you typed and no other words Anything that might interest you Click the box of the appropriate answer
When you type an online search, what does the computer look for? Ideas or concepts All synonyms for your word The word you typed and no other words Anything that might interest you Yes, that is correct. The computer can’t tell what you’re thinking. It only reads what you typed.
When you type an online search, what does the computer look for? Ideas or concepts All synonyms for your word The word you typed and no other words Anything that might interest you No, the correct answer is the third one.The computer can’t tell what you’re thinking. It only reads what you typed.
At a loss for words? Try thinking of keywords in three categories: broader, narrower, and related. Broader: students Related: young adults, high school students college students Narrower: student athletes, dorm residents, fraternities
For the topic AIDS, which is broader? HIV Sexually transmitted diseases Carposi’s sarcoma Combined drug therapy Click the box of the appropriate answer
For the topic AIDS, which keyword is broader? HIV Sexually transmitted diseases Carposi’s sarcoma Combined drug therapy Yes, AIDS is one of several sexually transmitted diseases.
For the topic AIDS, which keyword is broader? HIV Sexually transmitted diseases Carposi’s sarcoma Combined drug therapy No, the correct answer is the second one. AIDS is one of several sexually transmitted diseases.
For the topic “eating disorders,’ which is narrower? Fad diets Body image Obesity Anorexia Click the box of the appropriate answer
For the topic “eating disorders,’ which is narrower? Fad diets Body image Obesity Anorexia Yes, anorexia is one type of eating disorders.
For the topic “eating disorders,’ which is narrower? Fad diets Body image Obesity Anorexia No, the correct answer is the fourth one. Anorexia is one type of eating disorders.
Don’t stop now!!! Find out how to use those keywords to form a search statement. Learn how create search statements for the library’s databases and for internet searches. What about those Boolean operators?
Next tutorial… SEARCH STATEMENTS FOR DATABASES