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Ornithology Research Skills Guide

Finding keywords

When starting your research, coming up with useful keywords can be difficult. Using a dictionary to find definitions can sometimes help the process by uncovering terms and synonyms.

Try typing the keywords 'foraging' or 'seasonal' into the Oxford Reference search box below and explore some of the entries. You might find some keywords or concepts you can use in your assessment tasks.
 

For example

The  important words within your assignment question can generally be separated into three categories:

  • The task or instruction terms tell how you are to deal with the content
  • The key topic or concept words to direct you in what to research
  • The limits or qualifiers tell you the specific focus of the topic or concept
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    You have a better chance of finding information and answering your assignment question if you have a clear idea of the concept of your assignment. For example, let's take a close look at one of the following task: 

    Evaluate the nesting success of the Cloud Babbler (Panoramornis monticola) on Bathurst Island.

    Instruction words evaluate
    Key concepts and related terms nesting, bleeding, invasive mammalian predators
    Qualifying words & phrases   Bathurst Island, Cloud Babbler

     


    Evaluate the foraging behavior of King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) and discuss how their foraging strategies adapt to seasonal changes and environmental conditions. Consider the implications of these behaviors for their survival and reproductive success

    Instruction words evaluate
    Key concepts; foraging, King Penguins, behavior 
    Qualifying words & phrases   Macquarie Island, 

     

    Topic analysis

    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.Acknowledgement of Country

    Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.