Brainstorming Search terms

To effectively search any database you should first come up with a list of possible words and phrases related to your research subject, some possible sources to help come up with terms:

• Consult what are called, Tertiary Sources.

  • • • Encyclopedias and Dictionaries, both general and in your particular subject.  Short encyclopedia entries provide a helpful overview of the subject and will often include a list of references and author names that you can pursue further.

      • These tertiary sources are generally NOT used to support your paper's argument, but they are a good place to start your research journey.

• Talk with experts in the field, your professors, colleagues. 

• Trust your own instincts as a noob subject "expert."

• Make a list of possible search terms, keywords, author names to use in searching for resources.

BRAINSTORMING EXAMPLE

Religion and Nature

Possible keywords, concepts, and phrases to use in searching a database on this subject.  These and many other terms could be used singly or combined in various ways to conduct a thorough search on the subject.