Before you begin searching for information, you must identify keywords related to your topic. Find keywords:
When brainstorming keywords remember to ask yourself the who, what, when, where, and why of your topic.
Who is involved?
A specific age group, occupation, ethnic group, gender, etc.
What is the problem?
What is the issue facing the "who" in your topic? Health concerns, job and economic trends, contaminated drinking water?
Where is it happening?
A specific country, region, city, physical environment, rural vs. urban, etc.
When is this happening?
Is this a current issue or an historical event? Will you discuss the historical development of a current problem?
Why is it happening / Why is this a problem?
You may want to focus on causes or argue the importance of this problem by outlining historical or current ramifications. Or you may decide to persuade your instructor and class why they should care about the issue.
The following publications can be found in the library databases with the exception of Internet Sites. They each have strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of information you are seeking.
Searching for a phrase?
Putting it in quotation marks tells the search that you want that exact phrase, not just any of the words contained within it.
Ex: "genetically modified foods"
"weight loss"
