Keywords and Subject Terms

About Keywords

A keyword is a word that represents the main idea or feature of your topic, concept, or research statement.  You may have 3 to 5 keywords in your research statement and will develop lists of associated words and synonyms for each keyword.

Keywords are associated with synonyms.  A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word.  For example: "scared" and "afraid". Create synonym lists for each keyword.

Keywords and synonyms are essential for use in databases.

Keywords Worksheet : Example 1

Credit: William H. Hannon Library, Layola Marymount University, LA

Keywords Worksheet : Example 2

Credit:  William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University, LA

Keyword Worksheet: Example 3

Credit:  William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University, LA