At this point in your research, you should have your debate or issue topic. From your topic, you will put out the main ideas and concepts to use as keywords when you search.
Library databases work best when you choose keywords instead of using sentences or full research questions. When creating keywords think about:
- What are non-essential words? These words have no direct meaning for your topic. For example: the, Why, How, Does, and, etc.
- What are the big concepts or ideas involved? For example: COVID-19, pandemic, internet access, etc.
- Are there specific populations or people involved? For example: children, senior citizens, Black women, etc.
- Is there a specific place or environment? For example: California, high schools, swamps, etc.
EXAMPLE TOPIC
For example, if my topic was Should children play violent video games?
OneSearch Search Box
Use OneSearch to Locate Library Materials
OneSearch is a tool to locate the Library's physical resources and most of our online resources in one place. Many databases like OneSearch have limiters that allow you to filter out or keep sources you want to focus on. You can limit by many characteristics including:
- Available in the Library: sources that are physically in Verdugo
- Available online: sources you can read anywhere you have your GCC login and internet
- Peer-Reviewed articles
- Date
- Resource Type
- Subject and More!