Tip: Keep in mind that keywords will evolve. You'll likely come across better ones as you begin searching.
The more you search and learn about your topic, the easier it will be to develop keywords.
Chances are that you are not yet an expert on your topic. This means you probably aren't sure how to begin searching for books and articles yet. No worries! Pitt has several online reference products that you can use to get more information before you start the nitty-gritty research. You can access these products from on- and off-campus. Note: At the bottom of this list is a link to search the reports of the Congressional Research Service. This is not a library database, but rather part of the Congress website.
Video by NC State University Libraries
The search terms or keywords you use to search are what determine the results you get. Here's a good exercise to help you generate keywords:
1. Express your topic in a topic sentence: “What is the effect of television violence on children?”
2. Generate keyword search terms by identifying the main ideas or concepts within that topic sentence: “What is the effect of television violence on children?” = Effect, Television, Violence, or Television violence and Children
3. Expand your search terms by brainstorming related terms or synonyms that describe your main ideas:
