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ACED 101 - Survey of Addictionology (Belleisle): Brainstorming

Library information and resources for Andrea Belleisle's ACED 101 class

Brainstorming

Brainstorming, mind maps and concept maps are terms that are often used interchangeably. They all refer to a quick, simple technique for generating and focusing ideas and making connections between concepts. 

When brainstorming, don't worry about grammar, spelling, or formatting. Just jot down ideas until you can't think of any more, then go back and make connections between the ideas.

Strategies for brainstorming keywords:

  • Look in your article for keywords
  • Brainstorm ideas with a partner or group
  • Create a mind map
  • Search the Web
  • Use names of people and organizations related to your topic

Mind Map

example of brainstorming for global warming

Brainstorming Video

From Idea to Search Statement

From Idea to Search Statement

1. Write down your idea in a sentence or two.

screen shot demonstrating writing down ideas, like "states should pass laws against talking on cell phones while driving"

2. Cross out the fuzzy words and little words

Screenshot showing Crossing out the "little" or "fuzzy" words in a search statement, like "should," "against," "talking," "on," and "while."

3. Underline the words that remain. These words are your starting concepts.

images shows underlining the words that remain: states, laws, cell phones, driving

4. Put an "and" between the concepts.

image shows putting and "and" in between the main words: states and laws and cell phones and driving

5. Add a touch of class to your search. Put quotation marks around the phrases so those words stay together.

example shows putting quotation marks around common phrases, "cell phones"

 

 

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