SEARCHING TIPS FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT: SEARCHING: Key Words & General Tips

One of the most important aspects of research is finding the right search keyword, term or phrase. Don't keep trying the same one if you're not getting the results you are seeking. Having term options and finding the right phrasing is often the difference between a successful search or a great deal of wasted time and frustration.

TOP 10 KEYWORD SEARCHING TIPS:

1. Use your teacher's suggestions if any were given.
2. Check out the tips found under the "SEARCHING" tab in any Padua LibGuide. 
3. Write out a brief description of your research topic (preferably phrased in a question you'd like to answer).
   • IDENTIFY KEYWORDS: Identify 2-4 important words (NOUNS) from your question, which should be considered key concepts (keywords).
   • IDENTIFY SYNONYMS FOR KEYWORDS: For each key concept, make a list of other words with the same or related meanings (which will be your keywords synonyms).
   • Look to the following tips for HOW to find those keywords/key phrases.
4. Slowly start to type the word into Google and look at the suggested phrasing that is under the word you are typing.
5. In Google, type in words related to __x__ or research topics related to __x__ to find other words or phrasing. 
6. Try keyword/search term help sites if accessible. 
7. Test your keywords/phrases by searching with them in databases and websites (.edu, .gov, .org sites preferably).
   • Do not type in your topic/question verbatim. Use those keywords/synonyms you created.
   • Use Boolean Search terms like AND...OR...NOT
   • AND: Remember the power of the "and" to narrow your search (see the following examples):
     • football players AND concussions AND helmets
     • students AND online classes AND learning
   • OR: Also try out the "or" to broaden your search (see the following examples):
     • vegan OR vegetarian
     • teens OR adults AND social networking AND depression
   • NOT: Use this to narrow/focus your search (see the following examples):
     • gun regulations NOT United States
8. Try combining keyword phrases while searching (texting accidents and teenagers), and write down the combinations that offer the best results.
9. Keep track of keyword/phrase successes by handwriting or typing them on a doc, because you will start to lose track.
   • Too many results, try more or narrower keywords.
   • To few results, try broader keywords.
   • Remember to try combining your keywords as well (texting accidents and teenagers).
10. When you find results in databases and articles, slow down and view the author-supplied keywords or phrases (often at bottom of page) or subject headings, etc. and add those words to your list.

Go to the separate GOOGLE: SEARCHING TIPS found in above tabs

(some of the tips have been included below) 

So instead of just typing: superhero costume for dogs (which will pull up everything about dogs as well as all things costume as well as all things superhero), type: "superhero dog costumes"

The - symbol will exclude particular terms from your search.  For example, you might want to look up bass in regard to musicians but not fish, so you would put in...

                           bass -fish

(Note: Unfortunately, this technique works when searching websites, but it does not usually work for searching images.)