Identifying Concepts and Generating Search Terms

The following steps are helpful when preparing for a keyword search:
  • State your topic as specifically as possible.

    Topic: The effect of television viewing on aggressive behavior in children

  • Identify the main concepts.

    1. television viewing
    2. aggressive behavior
    3. children

  • Make a list of significant keywords or phrases for each concept to use as search terms.

    1. television viewing
      • television
      • television viewing
    2. aggressive behavior
      • aggressive behavior
      • aggression
      • fighting
    3. children
      • children
      • adolescents

      • Type the keywords, combining them with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT).

        • Simple search:

          television AND aggressive behavior AND children

        • Complex search (using all the keywords):

          (television viewing OR television) AND (aggressive behavior OR aggression OR fighting) AND (children OR adolescents)

        Instructions on how to use parentheses for nesting.
        • Return to Module 4  Go to Module 5



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