The Big Decision:
Topic/Subject or Keyword Searching
One of your first steps in the search process is deciding whether to use a keyword or
topic/subject approach. When you are searching a subscription database, like InfoTrac or SIRS , these choices are clearly marked. If you are searching the Internet, using keywords wisely can limit your search to relevant articles.
For each of these examples decide which would be the best search approach. Circle Topic or Keyword. If you selected Keyword, write the words you would use as keywords.
Tip..., when one search approach doesn’t work, try the other!
Open a word document and copy and paste the ten questions below. Be sure to put your name on the top of your document!
1. The effect of cliques on middle school girls.
Topic ...................Keyword
key words: __________________________
2. Greek mythology
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords: __________________________
3. Life in the age of the dinosaurs
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords: __________________________
4. Information about martial arts
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
5. The impact of television violence on children
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
6. Censorship and rap music
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
7. Should humans be cloned?
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
8. X-Treme Sports
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
9. Children of the Holocaust
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
10. Hurricane tracking and prediction
Topic ...................Keyword
keywords __________________________
Now that you know how to look for keywords, the next step is how to incorporate them into boolean search statements.
