chat loading...
Skip to Main Content

Indiana University Northwest Indiana University Northwest IU Northwest



Due to cuts to the Indiana State Library budget, as of August 1, access to several databases made available through the INSPIRE program will be significantly altered or unavailable as we seek access through alternative avenues.

Indiana History

Tips for Developing Keywords

Keywords are search terms that you will use when conducting research online. These are essential concepts or ideas. The following tips may help you get started with generating keywords.

  • Start conducting some background research on a potential topic of interest
  • Utilize reference databases and encyclopedias to gain basic knowledge on a subject
    • EX: CREDO Academic Core and Gale Virtual Library are great reference databases to start with
  • Draft a rough research question (your question will develop as you conduct more research)
  • Identify and pull essential keywords from this question (look for key concepts in your question)
  • Identify potential synonyms
  • Identify related research areas like databases, history centers, etc.
  • Conduct preliminary research using your pulled keywords
  • Revise your search and re/search  

CREDO - Mind Mapping

 

Screenshot of CREDO database

Screenshot depicts CREDO's Mind Mapping technology to help find associated keywords. Using Mind Mapping can help you find related topics and information when you are early in the research process.