Keyword Searching
When researching, we use search terms to tell the database or search engine what to look for. When we talk to other humans, we use complete grammatically correct sentences. Searching using complete sentences is called natural language searching. Some search algorithms can make sense of natural language searches. Many resources, including our library databases, are best searched with keyword searching.
These databases match all words searched to words in item records. Including a bunch of search terms doesn't always result in better search terms. Instead, we look at our research topic and identify the key or main ideas. Leave out connecting words.
Try it
Consider the research question below. What are the key or main ideas in this research question?
What is the relationship between cell phone use and anxiety for teenagers?
When you're ready to check your answers, click below to show the main ideas.
