Keywords-9
Keywords
Before you start searching, think about what search terms are relevant to your topic: what are your keywords?
Talk to your instructor and review your course readings and notes to identify keywords.
For example, if you were researching the connection between Jim Crow laws enacted during reconstruction and current disproportionate incarceration rates among African Americans, some keywords might be:
- African American, African-American, Black
- Jim Crow laws, Black Codes, Black Laws
- Incarcerate, imprison, prisoners, mass incarceration
- Racism, discrimination, racial segregation
Advanced Keyword Searching
Once you have identified keywords relevant to your topic, try using AND, OR, and "QUOTES" to combine your keywords while searching.
To limit your results, use the AND
To expand your results, use the OR
To search for an exact phrase, use "QUOTES"