Identify key ideas from your research question (think nouns)

• Not complete sentences as used in normal conversation
• Leave out minor words such as articles ("a," "an," or "the")
• Leave out prepositions or verb phrases ("on," "in," or "going to")

Brainstorm and/or use a thesaurus to find synonyms

• Example: Merriam-Webster Thesaurus: www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus

Talk to others to help work out your ideas

• It can be very useful to bring another perspective to your work

Record useful terms you found doing research

• Look back at class readings or class discussions—you might find that you've covered a topic or concept that will suggest useful keywords
• Different subjects will often have their own specific terms to describe something
• Collect keywords and subject headings from resources

Keep track of which keywords worked and didn't work, and the sources you find

Keeping a research diary can help you organize your research time so that you don't duplicate searches, feel lost or overwhelmed, and can help you to be a more efficient and successful searcher. Track your process to help you write the reflection for your assignment.

1. What you searched
   • academic databases
   • library catalog
   • Google Scholar
   • Google or other search engines
   • etc.
2. How you searched
   • keywords or keyword phrases
   • limits you used
   • subject terms you found
3. Difficulties encountered
   • how did you resolve them?