Using Keywords for Searching

What exactly are "keywords"? 

​Keywords are main terms related to your research topic. Keywords are what you enter into search boxes to get search results.

Why do keywords matter?

Keywords can determine whether or not you locate the information that you need! When using keywords properly, you can also find information more quickly since you don't have to sift through as many irrelevant search results.

How to Develop Keywords

Watch this video created by the University of Houston Libraries to learn about keywords, including helpful examples.

​Main takeaways include:
  • Keywords are words and terms you use to describe your main concept.
  • Use keywords to find information when searching.
  • Keywords are not full statements or questions.
  • Think of synonyms to try using as keywords.
  • You may need to use related terms, which are not synonyms but are associated with your main concept.

How to Search Using Keywords

In this follow-up University of Houston Libraries video, learn about how to effectively search databases using keywords.

Main takeaways include:
  • Identify main issues or concepts you are researching.
  • Did you know? You have access to search EBSCOhost, which is featured in the video! Access EBSCOhost here.
  • To narrow a search, try adding another keyword to your search or use a more specific keyword.
  • If you do not get enough search results, you may broaden your search by using simpler keywords.
  • When searching an online database, do not use full questions or sentences as you might with Google. Instead, just use keywords.

Keyword Tools

Search for synonyms. Also scroll down to find related words.
Enter your keyword to find related terms and synonyms based on common web searches.
Wikipedia can help you locate keywords. Search for your topic and pay close attention to words that are in bold and hyperlinked.
EBSCOhost is a useful database for research. Watch the video to learn how to use the built-in thesaurus tool or read this article.