So what's the big deal with search terms? This may seem unnecessary in a world with Google but for scholarly, authoritative research you'll need to utilize library databases. And with databases, you will need to use the appropriate search terms.
What will search terms do for you?
These APA PsycINFO guides include suggested subject terms to aid you in your research.
After developing a topic for your research, you must identify the main concepts of your topic.
The worksheet attached below will help you brainstorm search terms including synonyms, broader/narrower terms, related terms.
Topic: How effective is pet therapy for elderly patients suffering from depression?
Major Concepts: pet therapy, elderly patients, depression
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CONCEPT 1 |
CONCEPT 2 |
CONCEPT 3 |
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Major Concept |
pet therapy |
elderly patients |
depression |
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Synonyms |
animal therapy animal assisted therapy |
geriatric patients |
melancholy sadness despair |
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Broader Terms |
psychiatry therapeutic rehabilitation psychotherapy |
elderly aged older people |
mental health psychology psychiatry mental illness |
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Narrower Terms |
animal assisted therapy |
elderly women elderly men |
chronic depression psychotic depression |
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Related Words |
pets attachment theory attachment behavior |
gerontology |
mood therapy
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Please utilize the Search Terms worksheet for help!