Choosing key words to use while searching for information is an important first step.
Once you've chosen an issue and thought about your point of view, think about words, phrases and concepts that describe or apply to your topic. For example, if you've chosen to write about whether Meta should do more to prevent misinformation, some of your key words might include:
You should also consider whether any of these key words or phrases have synonyms or related concepts:
| Meta | Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, fact-checking, social media |
| Misinformation | disinformation, false content, fraudulent content, fake news, clickbait |
| Duty to users | User protection, user trust, duty of care, responsibility |
| Harmful effects | Political, social, health, economic/financial |
You can use these words in your search strategies, when you're looking in Primo Search or journal databases.
Dictionaries and encyclopaedias can help you to find additional keywords and get an overview of the concept.
In the Oxford Reference search box below, enter some of the keywords you've identified from your assessment question and note down any alternate keywords that you find.
Write down the key concepts from your topic and have a go at brainstorming as many alternative keywords and phrases as possible.
Thinking about your topic in this way forces you to describe your topic in "other words", which will provide you with some useful keyword alternatives as well as help you to cement your understanding of the topic.
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
