Once you've created some preliminary research questions, you can begin to search for answers.
Today's research tools -- including online library catalogs, online databases, and Web search engines like Google -- require you to type some words in a box to begin searching for information.
Some search tools use a controlled vocabulary – formally established subject headings or descriptors. Others offer keyword searching – words drawn from the full text of articles. Some tools allow for both types of searching. Whatever kind of tool you use – and whatever kind of search you perform -- you will save time and effort by generating a list of good search terms before embarking on your research. Like your list of research questions, you can expect this list to keep growing.
These two approaches to searching for answers are called Subject searching and Keyword searching. This short video demonstrates the differences between the two well.
