Once you have drafted your research question, identify each key concept within it. This is an important step because these key concepts will be the building blocks of your database search.
Start by typing your full research question. Next, consider which specific words or phrases are necessary to communicate the central components of your question.
Key concepts communicate the subjects only, not the relationship between subjects. If the key concepts in your question are not immediately clear, try the following:
In the sample question above, the specific words or phrases necessary to communicate the central components of your question (or “key concepts") include:
Example 2: How has generative AI been used to further or counter the goals of racial justice advocates in the United States and Canada?
Key concepts:
Example 3: What role does music play in identity construction or maintenance within South Asian diasporic communities?
Key concepts:
University of Toronto Libraries
130 St. George St.,Toronto, ON, M5S 1A5
libraryhelp@utoronto.ca
416-978-8450
Map
About web accessibility. Tell us about a web accessibility problem.
About online privacy and data collection.
© University of Toronto. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions.