Libraries

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) Research Project

Class guide for the NRES Capstone class.

Library Research Guide

Generating Keywords

Our Advice 

More keywords give you more relevant results so spend time thinking of your keywords.

  • Make lists of keywords for the main concepts of your research topic.
  • Use single words or simple phrases.
  • Use a thesaurus to help generate synonyms.

As you learn more information through your research your topic might change.

  • Add keywords based on your searching and reading.
  • Be flexible and adaptable in your thinking.

Consider the following when brainstorming keywords:

  • Broad / narrow
  • Good / bad
  • Who / how / why / where
  • Impact / Outcome

The first page of our research process worksheet provides space for your keywords:

Example

Topic: How do green spaces on college campuses affect mental and physical health?

Brainstorming keywords for an example research project about green spaces on college campuses

Green space

College campus

Affect

Natural areas
Parks
Gardens
Meadows
Landscaping
Prairie
Tree
flora/fauna

Structures/features

seating
art/sculpture

 University
Community areas
Dorms
Union
Urban
Public/private		 Outcome
Effect

Can you come up with synonyms for mental health and physical fitness?

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