MODULE 3: Determining Search Terms

For this module, you will be determining search terms that will help with your research. Sometimes, the hardest part is figuring out what to search for, and having a list of words and phrases that you can put in the search fields will help. To begin, watch the following video.

Mind maps are useful tools for organizing and planning. They can help with brainstorming search terms for your research. They provide a visual layout for your thinking. 

For this module, you will create a mind map using an online tool to generate search terms for your research topic.

The following is a tutorial video on how to get started with MindMeister.

Next, go to the following mind mapping website: MindMeister

Use your research topic as the center and think of other terms that pertain to your topic. Put these words in boxes surrounding the center. For each word, think of 2-3 words or phrases that pertain to that word. You may want to use a thesaurus, or a search engine to help you think of related words and phrases. 

Once your mind map is complete, you will have a visual guide for you to use when searching in a database. Try different combinations of your terms to retrieve different results from the database.

When you are finished with your mind map, go to the bottom of this page and fill out the Google Form to submit a link to your mind map for evaluation.

Example: