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*Research Assistance - Getting Started: Keyword Searching

This guide is designed to assist students with general research techniques for using CCTC Library resources.

Step 1: Identify Main Concepts

Break down your topic or research question into keywords.

Topic: What are the financial benefits of solar panels?

Keywords: financial, benefits, solar panels

Step 2: Find Alternative Keywords

Brainstorm for alternative words an author might have used for your main concepts.

Keywords: financial, benefits, solar panels

Alternative Keywords: cost, money, savings, advantages, solar energy, sun power

Step 3: Combine Your Keywords

Combine your search terms to create several potential search strategies to find relevant results. For phrases use "" or () to keep words together & in order.

Search Strategy #1 financial AND benefits AND "solar panels"

Search Strategy #2 cost AND savings AND "solar energy"

Search Strategy #3 money AND advantages AND "solar panels" OR "solar energy"

Search Strategy #4 (financial OR money) AND (benefits OR savings) AND "solar panels"

Keyword Searching: OR

Combine similar search terms with OR to expand your results.

For example: hypertension OR "high blood pressure"

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Keyword Searching: AND

Combine different search terms with AND to narrow your results.

For example: hypertension AND women

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