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Sociology 213: Sociology of the Family course guide: Keyword Search Strategy

Library resources for SOC 213

Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual diagram that allows a person to effectively organize content, keywords, ideas to gain a deeper understanding of a specific topic.  

 

Mind Mapping Tools

Creating a mind map is as easy as using pen and paper or technology. There are several free mind mapping applications that can serve as a tool to keep track of your research. We have compiled a list of five applications you can use. 

 

  1.  Clickup is a project management tool that allows the user to create powerful visuals to help with organizing content. 
  2. Visme is user friendly, customizable free mind mapping tool. 
  3. MindGenius allows the user to collaborate, share and structure their ideas.

  4. Ayoa offers online whiteboards and mind maps 

  5. Milanote integrates mind mapping and note-taking to assist with productivity. 

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Keywords

Brainstorm your topic and begin to identify keywords associated with it.  Keep track of these as they will become crucial to building a search strategy for when you go online to find material.  As you read further, your list of keywords will expand giving you options and suggestions.  Some will work:  star those!  Some will not:  cross those from your list and move on!

As you develop your keywords, think about how they might be combined with other keywords to narrow your topic into something more manageable and to give it greater focus.  An efficient way to combine keywords in a search is to use the "AND" command, in all caps, for example:

women AND employment

You can use several ANDs in a search string.  If your results are too few, you can eliminate some or try broadening your search with the "OR" command, such as:

women AND (employment OR workforce)

Note the parenthesis used in the above example.  This is called "nesting."  It is often used when an OR and an AND are used in single search strategy.  You can learn more about nesting and other searching tips by reviewing Sleuthing the Internet found on the Library's Techlink page.

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Keyword Search Strategy

To search library databases effectively you will need to use KEYWORDS.

KEYWORDS are single words or short phrases that identify the main concepts found within your topic question or topic statement.

For Example:

Topic: Does watching a lot of TV contribute to increased obesity in children?

Keywords: TV, OBESITY, CHILDREN

The following video talks about IDENTIFYING and BRAINSTORMING KEYWORDS for use in database searches... Check it out!

Keyword Videos