After turning your topic into a research question, the next step is picking keywords. Keywords are the most important words in your research question. These are words you will type into the computer to find articles and books using the library databases.

You also need to think of synonyms and other ways to describe your topic. Think of abbreviations and different word endings (-s, -ed, -ing) too. Think of terms researchers are using to describe a concept instead of words from everyday language. For example, use “adolescents” instead of “kids.” Use a textbook or ask a librarian for keyword ideas.