Perform an Effective Search


Tutorial Home >Internet >Basics >Online Research >How do I identify keywords for my search?
Tutorial Home >Internet >Online services >Online Research >How do I identify keywords for my search?
Tutorial Home >Internet >Basics >Online Research >General Research Tips >Perform an Effective Search
Tutorial Home >Internet >Online services >Online Research >General Research Tips >Perform an Effective Search

  Step 1:  Create a Search Statement

Open a Report
Write down a statement that describes what you hope to find with your search. Begin the statement with "I want to find information about . . .," and end the sentence with your description in your own words of what you want to find.
  Step 2:  Identify Keywords

Open a Report
Underline the words in your sentence that are most relevant to your search. This will help you create a base list of keywords.
  Step 3:  Create a Keyword Tree

Open a Report
Make a table and write all of the underlined words in the left column. In the right column, make a list of synonyms for your initial keywords. Make sure that you include plural versions of singular words and singular versions of plural words. This will provide an expanded keyword list.
  Step 4:  Keyword Phrases

Open a Report
Using your keyword tree, combine your keywords into 2 or 3 word phrases that best describe what you are hoping to find. This will provide you with the words you will enter into a search engine or directory to get the best results.