How to Use Keywords to Find Research Material

In developing a literature review, I have used many databases that I have found useful. EbscoHost database, found in most libraries, is the most user friendly that I have found. Not to sound redundant, but the key to a successful search is the key words that you use. You must you more that one key word. To use one would bring in thousands of hits that are not even relevant to what you are looking for. I would suggest two or three

Winston Churchill said that "short words are best and the old words when short are best of all." Churchill was talking about how to write punchy prose, not about search engine keywords. To be found, precise words are often better than short words, which can be too broad to accurately describe the user's problem. For example, people are more likely to search for "usability" than for "easy" -- at least those people who are in the market for my research reports and seminars (Neilson, 2006).

Churchill and Neilson are correct. It is how you ask and where that corresponds to the information you will receive. The use of keywords in your searches is also useful in your writing, especially if you want a reader to use your writing for their research. Many website builders use key words to draw the web surfer to their site first. They make money by placing links and advertisements on their site hoping that you will navigate to them. They are paid by the advertisers for directing them toward their site. Placing keywords strategically throughout your web pages will greatly improve your rankings in the search engines. Many sites, however, leave them out altogether so your Site won't get ranked at all. Inserting too many keywords in your web pages or repeating them to often, will result in your site getting banned from the search engines (Droust, 2002).