This document provides guidance on refining keywords when searching for information on a research topic. It recommends reviewing the topic statement and keywords to ensure they represent all main ideas. Terms related to future predictions, like "future", may not apply if the article is older. The checklist suggests considering whether keywords are too specific or broad, and adding synonyms found from sources like colleagues, related articles, or a database's controlled vocabulary thesaurus. Broadening or narrowing the focus of some keywords is also advised.

1.  Review your topic statement to make sure your
keywords represent each main idea in your
research statement
Example: Future adoption of
drone delivery
z In general, time-related
terms such as “future” are
best added later in the
search process. Often an
article written several years
ago about the future will
not have the information
you desire about today’s
future.
KEYWORD REFINEMENT CHECKLIST

2. Consider whether your terms are specific
enough (or too specific) to adequately
represent your topic
z Some terms
have subtle
meanings that
unintentionally
change the
direction of
your search
• Example of narrowing the focus of terms:
• Example of broadening the focus of terms:
Goods -> Cargo (goods that are shipped)
Unmanned -> Autonomous (there are many levels
of autonomy)

3. Consider adding other terms to your list of
keywords. Authors may use industry-
specific words to describe the main ideas in
their research. Use of these special terms
may help you more quickly find their work.

4. z To find synonyms,
you can use Google,
brainstorm with
colleagues, or find
examples of language
used in related
articles.
• If your list of keywords only includes a few
basic terms, try to think of synonyms for
those terms that other authors may use.
UAV World
“public acceptance”
Commercial
Application?

5. z Indexers of article
databases use a
“controlled vocabulary”
to ensure subjects are
represented consistently.
Use the thesaurus in the
database to find the
controlled vocabulary
for your topic.
• Many databases provide a thesaurus that is
valuable in helping determine which words
to use in your search.

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