Brainstorming is the process by which ideas are produced using techniques like concept mapping, free-writing, etc. Choosing a topic can be a difficult process when starting an assignment, writing a paper, or working on an oral presentation. Brainstorming can be used to choose a topic, narrow down a broad topic, or even broaden a too narrow topic. For instance, you may need to broaden your topic if resources on or related to your topic are scarce or you are unable to expand your topic.

WHAT ARE KEYWORDS?

Keywords are specific words or phrases that relate to your main idea or research question. They are used in brainstorming to determine search terms to use in finding research or narrowing down a topic. Keywords can be specific search words found in your research question, synonyms, phrases, or jargon that are common in the field of study.

1. Start by writing down your topic.

2. Next, identify the main ideas or terms.

3. Using the main ideas, are there any terms you can remove or make more general?

4. Once you have determined which words you’d like to remove, combine the remaining words to create a broader topic.

5. Now, use these keywords and phrases to start searching for sources using the Grand Valley State University Libraries online databases to complete your assignment.

Information adapted from the GVSU Libraries Subject Guides.

RELATED IDEAS

• Understanding your assignment
• Brainstorming strategies:
  • Concept mapping
  • Asking questions
  • Narrowing your topic
  • Choosing keywords
• Topic selection:
  • Choosing a topic from scratch
  • Choosing a topic from a theme
  • Choosing a topic with subject terms
• Developing a research question
• Finding sources