Keywords (or search terms) are the words you use to search. They're what you enter into the search box of a search tool, such as Google or a Library database like ProQuest.
Databases such as the ones you will be using for your classes provide better results if you use three strategies for entering your keywords.
texts AND teens AND driving
text* AND teens AND driving
text* AND (teens OR adolescents) AND driving
text* AND (teen* OR adolescen* OR "young adult") AND driv*
Separate words and phrases with the word AND, like this:
texts AND teens AND driving
The AND is called a Boolean operator.
Another Boolean operator is OR, which you can use to link synonyms:
texts AND (teens OR adolescents) AND driving
Notice that when you use OR, you also use parenthesis around the words your connecting (that's important!)
You can learn more about Boolean operators in IRIS: Boolean Operators.
Use the asterisk to truncate words. Truncating means that you put an * at the end of the root word.
text -- looks only for the word text
text* -- looks for text, texts, texting
More examples:
driv* = drive, driving, driver
adolescen* = adolescent, adolescence
teen* = teen, teens, teenagers
Use quotation marks around common phrases. Quotation marks will keep your words "stuck" together.
"young adult"
"cell phone"
"distracted driving"
"department of motor vehicles"
1. Write down your idea in a sentence or two.
2. Cross out the fuzzy words and little words
3. Underline the words that remain. These words are your starting concepts.
4. Put an "and" between the concepts.
5. Add a touch of class to your search. Put quotation marks around the phrases so those words stay together.
You can search the open web more efficiently using the following strategies.
Limit your search to a specific domain type or website using site:
site:.gov
site:.edu
site:usnews.com
Find websites that have your search terms in the title using intitle:
intitle:"racial bias"
Examples:
intitle:"food desert" site:.edu
intitle:food site:theatlantic.com