Breaking down your research topic
Database searching is different than using Google. To be able to search a database, you'll have to break down your research topic or question into keywords.
Example
Research question: does exercise improve symptoms of depression in college students?
| Broader keywords | young adults | mental health, mental disorders, affective disorders | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGINAL KEYWORDS | college students | exercise | major depression |
| Synonyms | university, higher education | physical activity | |
| Narrower keywords | [by demographic - example: female college students, college students with disabilities, etc.] | aerobic, weightlifting, yoga, etc. | recurrent depression |
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Beginner Keywords interactive tutorialTry this tutorial to get some practice in selecting keywords.