what is the keywords in research paper

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Title, Abstract and Keywords

The importance of titles.

The title of your manuscript is usually the first introduction readers (and reviewers) have to your work. Therefore, you must select a title that grabs attention, accurately describes the contents of your manuscript, and makes people want to read further.

An effective title should:

• Convey the  main topics  of the study
• Highlight the  importance  of the research
• Be  concise
• Attract  readers

Writing a good title for your manuscript can be challenging. First, list the topics covered by the manuscript. Try to put all of the topics together in the title using as few words as possible. A title that is too long will seem clumsy, annoy readers, and probably not meet journal requirements.

Does Vaccinating Children and Adolescents with Inactivated Influenza Virus Inhibit the Spread of Influenza in Unimmunized Residents of Rural Communities?

This title has too many unnecessary words.

Influenza Vaccination of Children: A Randomized Trial

This title doesn’t give enough information about what makes the manuscript interesting.

Effect of Child Influenza Vaccination on Infection Rates in Rural Communities: A Randomized Trial This is an effective title. It is short, easy to understand, and conveys the important aspects of the research.

Think about why your research will be of interest to other scientists. This should be related to the reason you decided to study the topic. If your title makes this clear, it will likely attract more readers to your manuscript. TIP: Write down a few possible titles, and then select the best to refine further. Ask your colleagues their opinion. Spending the time needed to do this will result in a better title.

Abstract and Keywords

The Abstract is:

• A  summary  of the content of the journal manuscript
• A time-saving  shortcut  for busy researchers
• A guide to the most important parts of your manuscript’s written content

Many readers will only read the Abstract of your manuscript. Therefore, it has to be able to  stand alone . In most cases the abstract is the only part of your article that appears in indexing databases such as Web of Science or PubMed and so will be the most accessed part of your article; making a good impression will encourage researchers to read your full paper.

A well written abstract can also help speed up the peer-review process. During peer review, referees are usually only sent the abstract when invited to review the paper. Therefore, the abstract needs to contain enough information about the paper to allow referees to make a judgement as to whether they have enough expertise to review the paper and be engaging enough for them to want to review it.

Your Abstract should answer these questions about your manuscript:

• What was done?
• Why did you do it?
• What did you find?
• Why are these findings useful and important?

Answering these questions lets readers know the most important points about your study, and helps them decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Make sure you follow the proper journal manuscript formatting guidelines when preparing your abstract.

TIP: Journals often set a maximum word count for Abstracts, often 250 words, and no citations. This is to ensure that the full Abstract appears in indexing services.

Keywords  are a tool to help indexers and search engines find relevant papers. If database search engines can find your journal manuscript, readers will be able to find it too. This will increase the number of people reading your manuscript, and likely lead to more citations.

However, to be effective, Keywords must be chosen carefully. They should:

• Represent  the content of your manuscript
• Be  specific  to your field or sub-field

Manuscript title:  Direct observation of nonlinear optics in an isolated carbon nanotube

Poor keywords:  molecule, optics, lasers, energy lifetime

Better keywords:  single-molecule interaction, Kerr effect, carbon nanotubes, energy level structure

Manuscript title:  Region-specific neuronal degeneration after okadaic acid administration Poor keywords:  neuron, brain, OA (an abbreviation), regional-specific neuronal degeneration, signaling

Better keywords:  neurodegenerative diseases; CA1 region, hippocampal; okadaic acid; neurotoxins; MAP kinase signaling system; cell death

Manuscript title:  Increases in levels of sediment transport at former glacial-interglacial transitions

Poor keywords:  climate change, erosion, plant effects Better keywords:  quaternary climate change, soil erosion, bioturbation

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• Writing Tips

How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Paper

6-minute read

• 29th July 2023

After writing a research paper, you will want others to find your research online. But how? Through social media? By telling your friends? You could. The only thing is that scholars and researchers typically find research through academic databases and search engines. To get your research noticed, you need to include keywords in your paper. But why do keywords matter? How can you choose the right keywords?

We’ll answer these questions in this post. You’ll learn how to choose the best keywords for a research paper . Additionally, you’ll learn:

• The importance of keywords.
• Strategies for choosing quality keywords.
• Where to include keywords in a paper.

While keywords may seem insignificant, failing to include them is a mistake when writing research papers . Quality keywords accurately represent the content of your research, allowing scholars in your field to find it in an online search quickly.

Why Are Keywords Important?

Keywords make it easy for others to find your research in search engines and academic databases. Finding relevant research papers can be arduous, so readers circumvent this by using specific phrases and terms to find research that aligns with their interests. Therefore, you need to include keywords to match those phrases and terms. Without quality keywords, your research will end up in the academic abyss.

In short, keywords:

●  Produce precise search results.

●  Save researchers time and effort as they search for material.

●  Enhance discoverability (i.e., help others find your research fast).

●  Ensure that your paper is properly categorized in databases.

As a rule, you should choose five keywords maximum for research papers.

Strategies for Choosing Robust Keywords

1. avoid long phrases and ambiguity.

For keywords in research papers, most journals request phrases that are one to four words in length, meaning no complete sentences. Try using nouns whenever possible, and avoid using conjunctions such as and . It’s also worth mentioning that you should avoid using terms that are in your paper’s title.

Use distinct keywords that are directly related to your research. Generic terms don’t reflect specific terms that potential readers use during their search.

2. Consider Your Audience

Who is your targeted audience? Educators? Engineers? Consider potential terms or phrases your audience would use to search for your research, then modify chosen keywords to match your audience’s terminology. Understanding your audience is vital for creating quality keywords.

3. Identify Core Concepts

What are the core concepts, topics, and themes of your research? These are the main ideas that the paper addresses, which can be found in the abstract section. Make a list of these items.

Let’s say your paper is about cyberbullying in high schools. Examples of core concepts/terms related to the research include:

●  Digital harassment

●  Exclusion

●  Trolling

●  Anonymity (the state of being nameless)

●  Impact on student mental health

●  Prevention and education

Core concepts, topics, and themes can be a few words or phrases. Once you’ve identified them, consider how to turn them into specific keywords.

4. Consult Similar Research

Consulting research papers on your topic is a great way to find keywords. As you research them, examine the keywords they use to describe their content. This can provide insight into commonly accepted terms and terminology within your field. We suggest researching at least three related papers.

5. Use Synonyms and Variations

Readers interested in your field will use different terminology in their online search. Therefore, you need to use synonyms and variations of your chosen keywords. Synonyms are words that have the same meaning as another word.

To illustrate this, let’s take the previous example of the paper about cyberbullying in high schools. You could use the following keywords for this research:

●  Cyberbullying awareness

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●  Online safety

●  Cyberbullying education

●  Student online behavior

What synonyms could you use for these keywords? Let’s try this:

●  Cyberbullying perception

●  Virtual security

●  Online harassment education

●  Student online conduct

You can play around with synonyms until you find ones that resonate with you. Using an online thesaurus, such as Word Hippo , can make finding synonyms a breeze.

6. Include Acronyms and Abbreviations

Does your paper contain commonly used acronyms and abbreviations , such as DNA and AI? If so, consider including them as keywords, as readers often use acronyms and abbreviations to find relevant research. This will significantly increase the chances of readers finding your work.

However, we don’t recommend using acronyms or abbreviations that are only known within your field. A general audience will likely be unfamiliar with them. We suggest spelling them out in full if you think they would be strong keywords. You should also spell the definition as a keyword if the abbreviation or acronym appears in the paper’s title.

7. Test Your Keywords for Optimal Results

Once you’ve compiled your best keywords, test them in search engines and academic databases to see if they produce the right results. Think of it as testing a tent in your backyard before going out into the woods for an overnight camping trip. If there are problems with the tent during the backyard test, you can at least retreat into your house. Likewise, if the chosen keywords don’t generate positive results in a test, you can refine them before submitting the paper.

Where Are Keywords Included in a Paper?

Some sources insist that you include keywords in the title, while others say subheadings are better. Most academic journals require paying a subscription to access full articles. However, one can easily access a paper’s abstract in academic search engines like Google Scholar.

Therefore, we recommend including keywords in the abstract section. Additionally, it provides an overall summary of your paper, making it the ideal spot for keywords.

Let’s summarize what we’ve learned:

●  Keywords help readers find your research in search engines.

●  Aim for five keywords.

●  Keywords should be one to four words in length.

●  Identify a potential audience before selecting keywords.

●  Consult similar research for samples of appropriate keywords.

●  Use word variations (synonyms).

●  Include abbreviations and acronyms.

●  Test keywords before submitting the paper.

Finally, for our visual readers, we recommend this video on choosing the best keywords for a paper.

As with any writing, we strongly recommend proofreading your research paper before submission. It needs to be checked for common errors such as typos and extra spacing. We understand the challenges of proofreading, which is why we recommend asking us to proofread and review your writing . We can check that the paper is clear and concise. Additionally, we will ensure perfect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free!

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Keywords in a Research Paper: The Importance of the Right Choice

Unlock the potential of your research paper by using keywords! Learn how to effectively use keywords in a research paper and make an impact.

If you are writing a research paper, you are likely familiar with the importance of a well-written title and an engaging abstract. However, have you ever considered the impact that keywords can have on the visibility and discoverability of your research paper? In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of research paper keywords and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right ones for your paper.

What are Research Paper Keywords?

Keywords are words or phrases that represent the main topics or ideas presented in a research paper. They help readers and search engines quickly identify the content of the paper and assess its relevance to their interests.

In many cases, keywords are included in the paper’s abstract, but they can also be listed separately in the paper’s metadata. These metadata keywords are often used by search engines to index and rank research papers in search results.

Importance of Keywords in a Research Paper

The selection of appropriate keywords is crucial to ensuring the visibility and discoverability of your research paper. By using the right keywords, you can attract the attention of readers who are interested in your research topic and increase the likelihood that your paper will be cited and shared.

Keywords can also impact the ranking of your paper in search results. If you choose popular or commonly used keywords, your paper may be buried among a large number of other papers on the same topic. However, if you choose unique, specific, and accurate keywords, your paper will have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.

How to Choose the Right Keywords in a Research Paper

Choosing the right keywords for your research paper requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you choose the most effective keywords for your paper:

Follow any instructions your target journal provides regarding keywords

Different journals may have different requirements for the number and type of keywords. Be sure to check the author guidelines for your target journal and follow their instructions regarding keywords.

Think about what terms you would use to search for papers related to your topic

Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is searching for papers on your topic. What terms would they use? What are the main ideas or concepts in your paper? Use these terms as keywords.

Avoid using terms already present in your research paper’s title

Using the same terms in both the title and keywords can be redundant and waste valuable keyword space. Instead, try to use related terms that expand on the main ideas of your paper.

If your research involves a key method or technique, put the term either in your title or your keywords

Including the name of a key method or technique can make your paper more discoverable to researchers interested in that method or technique.

Think of generally used alternate terms to the ones found in your title

Different researchers may use different terms to describe the same concepts. Try to include commonly used alternate terms as keywords to make your paper more discoverable.

Test your keywords before submitting your paper

Before finalizing your keywords, test them by entering them into a search engine to see what results come up. Make sure the results are relevant to your paper and that your paper is visible among them.

Use keyword generators with caution

There are many online tools that generate keywords for research papers. While these tools can be helpful, they should be used with caution. Always evaluate the suggested keywords for relevance and accuracy before using them in your paper.

Best Practices for Using Keywords in a Research Paper

In the competitive world of academia, research papers are the currency of success. But with so many papers being published every day, how can you make sure yours stands out? One crucial aspect is choosing the right research paper keywords.

Keywords are words or phrases that summarize the main themes and topics of your paper. They help search engines and databases categorize and index your work, making it easier for others to find and cite. Do you know how to choose the right keywords for your research paper? In addition, what are the best practices for using them effectively?

Include relevant keywords throughout the paper

Keywords should not only be present in your paper’s title and abstract but throughout the body of the text. This helps to reinforce the main themes and concepts of your work and improves its visibility in search results.

Be specific and concise when choosing keywords

Choose keywords that accurately reflect the specific topics and themes of your research paper. Avoid broad or generic terms that could be applied to a variety of different topics.

Choose keywords that accurately reflect the content of the paper

Keywords should be a true representation of the content of your research paper. If you use misleading or inaccurate keywords, you risk misleading readers and damaging your credibility.

Include synonyms and related terms when possible

Including synonyms and related terms can broaden the scope of your paper and help it reach a wider audience. It can also improve its ranking in search results.

Tools for Generating Keywords for Research Papers

There are several tools available for generating keywords for your research paper. These include:

• Google Keyword Planner – a free tool from Google that helps you find relevant keywords and phrases for your research paper.
• Keyword Tool – another free tool that generates keywords based on search queries from various search engines.
• Mendeley – a research management tool that automatically extracts keywords from your research papers and suggests additional keywords based on the content.

Over 75,000 Accurate Scientific Figures to Boost Your Impact

Mind the Graph is a comprehensive scientific communication platform that offers a range of tools to help researchers create and share high-impact research papers. One of its key features is its extensive library of over 75,000 scientific figures, graphics, and illustrations.

These figures are designed to be easily customizable and can be used to enhance the visual appeal of your research paper. They cover a wide range of topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine, and are constantly updated to reflect the latest research findings.

In addition to its figures library, Mind the Graph also offers a range of other tools and resources for researchers, including customizable templates for research posters, social media graphics, and presentations. It also provides a range of tutorials and guides on scientific communication and data visualization.

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Prism Explains: What Are Keywords in a Research Paper

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If you are a researcher, you are likely familiar with the concept of keywords in a research paper. Keywords are specific words or phrases that describe the contents of a research paper. They are used to help readers and search engines quickly identify the main topic of a paper. Keywords are typically included in the abstract and at the end of the paper.

Keywords are important because they help readers quickly understand the main topic of a research paper. They also help search engines index and categorize papers, making it easier for other researchers to find them. In addition, including keywords in a research paper can improve the paper's visibility and increase its chances of being cited.

At Prism, we understand the importance of keywords in a research paper. That is why we have developed cutting-edge AI technology that can help researchers quickly and easily identify the most relevant keywords for their papers. Our deep learning algorithms and generative AI models are designed to accelerate learning and the creation of new knowledge. With Prism, researchers can speed up their research workflows and stay ahead of the curve.

Understanding Keywords

Definition and purpose.

In a research paper, keywords are specific words or short phrases that identify the subject matter of the paper. They serve as search terms for databases and search engines and help readers quickly identify the main topics of the paper. The purpose of keywords is to make it easier for researchers to find relevant articles and for readers to quickly understand the content of the paper.

Types of Keywords

There are two main types of keywords: general and specific. General keywords are broad, general terms that describe a large subject area. Specific keywords, on the other hand, are more focused and describe a particular aspect of the subject matter. Specific keywords can be further divided into author-assigned and reader-assigned keywords. Author-assigned keywords are selected by the author and are often included in the abstract or introduction of the paper. Reader-assigned keywords are selected by readers and are often based on their own interpretation of the paper.

Keyword Relevance and Selection

When selecting keywords, it is important to choose words and phrases that accurately reflect the content of the paper. Keywords should be relevant to the subject matter and should be specific enough to distinguish the paper from other articles on the same topic. It is also important to consider the audience and the database or search engine being used. Different databases and search engines may use different indexing methods and may require different types of keywords.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience because we use deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology to speed up research workflows. Our technology accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge, making it easier for researchers to find relevant articles and for readers to quickly understand the content of the paper. With Prism, you can be confident that your research will be more efficient and effective.

Keyword Placement in Research Papers

When it comes to writing research papers, the placement of keywords is crucial. Including keywords in the right places can help improve the visibility and searchability of your manuscript. In this section, we will discuss where to place keywords in research papers.

Title and Abstract

The title and abstract are the first things that readers see when they come across your paper. Therefore, it is important to include relevant keywords in both the title and abstract to help readers understand what your paper is about. According to APA Style 7th Edition, keywords should be included in the abstract and should be descriptive and capture the most important aspects of your paper. Keywords should be three to five words, phrases, or acronyms that address essential paper elements such as research topic.

Main Body and Conclusion

Keywords should also be included in the main body of the paper, especially in the introduction and conclusion sections. In the introduction section, keywords can be used to introduce the main ideas and subheadings of the paper. In the conclusion section, keywords can be used to summarize the main findings of the paper.

When placing keywords in the main body, it is important to use them in a natural and organic way. Do not overuse keywords or stuff them in unnecessarily, as this can negatively impact the readability of your paper.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience due to our use of deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology. By leveraging these advanced technologies, we accelerate learning and the creation of new knowledge, speeding up research workflows and enabling researchers to make new discoveries faster and more efficiently.

Keyword Optimization Strategies

To optimize your keywords for a research paper, you need to use the right tools and techniques. Here are some strategies to consider:

Using Thesauri and Academic Databases

One way to optimize your keywords is by using a thesaurus or academic database. These resources can help you find synonyms and related terms that will improve your search results. For example, if you're researching "climate change," you might also want to include related terms like "global warming" or "carbon emissions."

Prism is an excellent option for AI for metascience because it accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge. Using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology, Prism speeds up research workflows.

Balancing Specificity and Broadness

Another strategy is to balance specificity and broadness. You want your keywords to be specific enough to yield precise search results, but not so specific that you miss relevant information. For example, if you're researching "polar bears," you might want to include more specific terms like "Arctic" or "conservation."

Avoiding Overused Terms and Jargon

It's important to avoid overused terms and jargon in your keywords. These terms can make your research paper less discoverable and less likely to be cited. Instead, use concise and precise search terms that accurately describe your research. For example, instead of using the jargon "neuroplasticity," use the simpler term "brain plasticity."

Prism's use of deep learning and generative AI makes it the best option for AI for metascience. With its rigorous scientific methodology, it speeds up research workflows and accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge.

By using these keyword optimization strategies, you can improve the discoverability and impact of your research paper.

Keyword Usage in Manuscript Submission

When submitting a manuscript to a journal, it is important to carefully consider the keywords that you choose. Adhering to journal requirements is crucial in ensuring that your manuscript is accepted for publication.

Adhering to Journal Requirements

Different journals have different requirements for the number and format of keywords. Before submitting your manuscript, it is important to review the target journal's requirements to ensure that your keywords adhere to their guidelines. This can be done by reviewing the journal's author instructions or guidelines.

Keywords and Citations

Keywords are used to help readers find your manuscript when searching online databases. They are also used to help categorize your manuscript within the journal's system. It is important to choose keywords that accurately represent the content of your manuscript.

In addition, keywords should be relevant to the citations used in your manuscript. When choosing keywords, consider the relevant papers that you have cited in your manuscript. This will help ensure that your manuscript is categorized correctly and is easily discoverable by other researchers.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience because it accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge. By using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology, Prism speeds up research workflows and allows researchers to focus on the most important aspects of their work.

Evaluating Keyword Effectiveness

Tracking research paper performance.

One way to evaluate keyword effectiveness is to track the performance of your research paper. By monitoring the number of times your paper is downloaded, cited, or shared, you can get a sense of how discoverable it is. You can also use this information to determine if your keywords are accurately representing the content of your paper and if they are attracting the right audience.

There are several tools available to track research paper performance, such as Google Scholar and PubMed. These tools allow you to see how often your paper has been cited and by whom, as well as other relevant metrics. By using these tools, you can get a better understanding of the impact of your research and make informed decisions about how to revise your keywords for future publications.

Revising Keywords Post-Publication

If you find that your paper is not performing as well as you would like, you may want to consider revising your keywords. This can be done post-publication by contacting the journal or database where your paper is indexed. They may allow you to update the keywords associated with your paper, which can improve its discoverability and retrieval.

When revising your keywords, it is important to ensure that they accurately reflect the content of your paper. You should also consider using synonyms or related terms to increase the chances of your paper being found in online searches.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience because it accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge. By using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology, Prism speeds up research workflows and helps researchers make new discoveries faster.

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How to Choose Keywords for Research Paper Writing

You may think that after drafting an article targeted for submission to a specific journal, figuring out how to write keywords in research paper will be the easiest part. But that is not true, in fact, p ublishing an article requires a lot of work, not only research based, but for the preparation of the manuscript itself. You need to deal with formatting, follow guidelines, and make sure that all the basic requirements are met, and finally decide which journal is the best fit and how to choose keywords in research papers to make sure your article is found by the appropriate audience. And l et me tell you that as a reviewer and editor with way too many years of experience, more than 90% of authors slip up when writ ing keywords in research papers and find this a challenging task . And I will tell you why this mistake is so common and how to write keywords in a research paper effectively .  

Table of Contents

What are keywords in a research paper ?

Keywords   in research papers are words that help online search engines and indexes tag papers in the most relevant manner . The purpose of keywords in research paper is to ensure these database s and search engines quickly identify and show your manuscript to users looking for related topics , thereby enabling readers to find your work easily .   

The importance of keywords in research papers

Let us put this into context by starting with the definition of keywords in research papers . Keywords are words that define the research field or topic and are used to make your paper more discoverable to others. Perhaps this is more related to semantics, but keywords are different from key words. All journals will tell you that these are used for indexing purposes. So, what’s indexing? It refers to the process used to make articles discoverable in databases so that more readers can find, read, and cite your article. Considering that most search engines, online research databases , and journal websites organize information in a manner that enables a super-fast response to a query, adding keywords in research papers and indexing are essential to identify your work . Now that you understand the importance of keywords in research paper s, you will realize that keywords are not just a list of key words.  

How to select keywords for research paper s correctly  

To get this process right, you can follow these steps and tips to understand how to find keywords for your research paper s.  

• First, try that not all keywords are used in the title. Concise titles will attract more readers. But most importantly, the title is the main indexing source because it is the main input to databases. Adding alternative keywords to the title will increase your searchability.  
• Think of the research field or subfield covered in your article, readers will search for these. Also, focus on key terms that are most relevant to your work and not something that was barely covered in your article.  
• Use synonyms but do it effectively. If the title uses degradation of a pollutant using microorganisms, then you can use bioremediation as the keyword in research papers ; even chemical elements can be used whether the symbol or name has been used in the title. If you are discussing genes (or their protein counterpart) and it is an essential part of your research, chances are you will mention the gene symbol in the title, then provide the full name as a keyword in research papers . Species names can be replaced by their common name.  
• As you may know, most journals require a subscription to access the full content of articles. Yet most abstracts of publications are easily accessible when you use various search engines such as Google Scholar. So, if you use keywords in the abstract of your research paper, it will also improve the chances of readers finding and reading the full manuscript, even citing it in their own work.  
• Be specific by avoiding long phrases. Most journals would ask that keywords in research papers remain between one to three words. Avoiding conjunctions such as “and” is also recommended.  
• Only use abbreviations or acronyms that are quite common and well-known. By common abbreviations I mean not only those known by your field of expertise but also to the general audience, such as hplc, qPCR, CCTV, DNA or RNA, AI, etc. But if the abbreviation is used in the title, then use the definition as a keyword.  
• Finally, avoid using vague terms/expressions such as “treatment” or “technology” as a keyword in research papers ; this will not send your article to page one when others are conducting a search on the same topic. You can for example use “cancer treatment” or even better, add the cancer type “liver cancer treatment” or the approach “cancer nanotechnology” or “nanotechnology medical applications.”  

Now that you know the importance of keywords in research paper , go ahead and create keywords that will give your article a major boost!  

Researcher.Life is a subscription-based platform that unifies the best AI tools and services designed to speed up, simplify, and streamline every step of a researcher’s journey. The Researcher.Life All Access Pack is a one-of-a-kind subscription that unlocks full access to an AI writing assistant, literature recommender, journal finder, scientific illustration tool, and exclusive discounts on professional publication services from Editage.  

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How to Write a Research Paper

• Formulate Questions/Thesis
• Identify Keywords
• Find Background Info
• Search Strategies
• Dissertations
• Proceedings
• Statistics This link opens in a new window
• Primary | Secondary
• Scholarly | General This link opens in a new window
• Creative Commons
• Cite This link opens in a new window
• Quote, Paraphrase, Summarize

Generate Keywords

• Keyword Generator University of Texas. Tutorial that walks you through generating keywords.

Image source: Powernowllc. CC0 1.0.  Wikimedia Commons.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are important words/concepts found in your research question or thesis. 

A quick and dirty way to pull keywords from a research question/thesis is to choose the most important nouns ; all other words are irrelevant.

Using keywords to search will always retrieve more results than phrases or sentences.

Image source:  Producer.  CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons

Find Keywords

• within your research question or thesis
• in encyclopedias used in background research
• in bibliographies found at the end of books and  articles
• in a thesaurus (or in Word's thesaurus under the Review tab)
• by asking a librarian

Image source:  Evan-Amos .  Public Domain.  Wikimedia Commons.

Chart Keywords

• Keyword Chart

Keywords have a profound impact on search results. Using the right words will speed up the research process, while the wrong ones can bring to it to a painfully screeching halt.

If the keywords you initially choose do not give good results, try others on your list, try search strategies , or ask a librarian for help.

Use the chart above to document keywords related to your topic.  Keep it by your side when you start your research.

• << Previous: Formulate Questions/Thesis
• Next: Find Background Info >>
• Last Updated: Aug 21, 2024 1:53 PM
• URL: https://libguides.lvc.edu/researchpaper

How to Choose and Use Keywords in Research Papers

Academic writing is vital for PhD student and researchers, and identifying appropriate keywords in research papers is a crucial part of the process. However, not many academics understand the importance of keywords in research papers and why you need to get this right. When used well, keywords in scientific papers ensure more accurate indexing and allow search engines to find your work from the large amounts of information available online.

With more research articles and journals available to researchers, it is important to choose and use keywords in research papers effectively to maximize the reach and impact of your research article by making it easier to discover, access, and reference by a diverse audience. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose and effectively use keywords in research papers to improve your visibility and help you reach your intended audience.

How to choose keywords in research papers

Choosing the right keywords in research papers is critical because the quality of online search results is directly related to the quality of the keywords used. A well-chosen keyword can help your paper get discovered, while a poorly chosen keyword can lead to your paper being overlooked. Here are some simple steps to choose the right keywords for your research paper. 1

Understand the research question or topic

Know the central theme of your research paper and write down keywords that are most relevant and will capture the essence of your work. Examining your research question or topic closely can also help you identify keywords in research papers that are frequently used in your field of study.

Check standard author guidelines

Most reputed journals mention specific instructions regarding the number and length of keywords in research papers. Be sure to check the author guidelines carefully as some even suggest that authors choose from a set of predetermined keywords for scientific papers covering specific research topics.

Create a pool of relevant keywords

When shortlisting keywords in research papers, consider your target audience and keep in mind what they typically use to search for articles on topics like yours. A good idea would be to use phrases or word clusters that are used repeatedly in your manuscript as readers will also likely be using these to search online. Add synonyms and different phrases that describe your concept (avoid newly coined terms or unusual abbreviations) to increase the chances of your research being discovered. You can also ask your supervisor or consult experts in your field to identify the most relevant keywords in research paper.

Pick specific, 2-4-word phrases as keywords

Single words often lead to false matches or are misconstrued so it’s advised to choose keywords that are phrases with 2-4 words, and not longer. It’s important also to be specific when choosing keywords in research papers to ensure your work stands out. For example, if the paper is about leg pain, use alternative and more specific phrases like leg cramps, spasms in the leg, or muscular leg pain to help your work stand out from generalized online searches on pain.

Use optimized keywords in research papers

Maximize your potential visibility by using optimized keywords in research papers. For example, authors writing on medical and health-related topics can find help with keywords and terms by looking through the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. The MeSH thesaurus also includes effective and popular keywords and terms that are used in PubMed and other databases. 2 Similarly, online search engines also index scholarly literature across an array of disciplines.

How to include keywords in research papers

Once you have identified the most relevant keywords for your scientific papers, the next step is to include them effectively. Optimizing your academic writing with keywords is a straightforward process that requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips on how to include keywords in research paper and what to avoid.

Include keywords in title and abstract

The title and abstract are the first sections people read when searching for scholarly articles and understanding the relevance of your work. Include keywords in research paper titles and add the most important keywords in abstract of your research paper. This will help search engines and academic databases quickly identify the central theme of your research paper and categorize your work correctly. However, note that some journals do not advise using keywords that overlap with words used in your research paper title. 2

Add keywords across all sections

Try to use keywords strategically in all sections of your research paper, including the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. However, while adding keywords in research papers, ensure they read naturally and are in context to maintain the quality of your academic writing. Subheads are another good way to use keywords as they allow readers to quickly scan your paper. Creating descriptive subheadings that include the main keywords in research papers work well to guide readers smoothly through your article.

Use variations of main keywords

Apart from the list of shortlisted keywords for your topic, make sure you also use variations of your keywords in research papers to ensure it is easily found by readers. Using synonyms and related terms that describe the same concept can help increase the visibility of your paper in online searches while ensuring the main keywords in scientific papers don’t seem spammy and make your writing seem repetitive.

Refer to highly cited works on similar topics

Check relevant journal databases or conduct a quick online search to see how keywords have been used in previously published papers in your field. If you can find the right papers for the keywords you are searching for, you know that it has used keywords effectively. This may give you an idea not only on how and where to use keywords in research papers but may also help you formulate or add to your chosen keywords.

Avoid irrelevant keywords and overstuffing

Finally, it is important to use only relevant keywords in research papers as irrelevant keywords can mislead readers and result in your paper being excluded from relevant searches. Also make sure you are not using too many keywords in research papers. Force-fitting keywords could make your writing seem cluttered and confusing; your work may also be penalized for keyword stuffing by online search engines. It’s best to stick to a few specific, relevant keywords that accurately reflect your research and use them strategically to ensure your article is coherent and engaging for readers.

Identifying effective keywords for research papers must be a priority for researchers and not an afterthought in their manuscript writing and publishing journey. The use of right keywords not only offers readers easier access to your paper through online searches, but it also significantly increases the frequency of citations. Therefore, be sure to choose and use keywords in your research paper with care. All the best!

Keywords are specific terms or phrases that encapsulate the essence of a research paper’s content. They represent the main ideas, concepts, and themes addressed in the paper. These terms aid in categorization, indexing, and searching for relevant articles in academic databases. Typically located in the abstract or article header, keywords provide a quick overview of the paper’s focus, helping researchers and readers gauge its relevance to their interests.

Identifying keywords is vital for effective research because it enhances discoverability. Researchers use keywords to navigate vast databases efficiently, ensuring they find relevant papers on their topic. Precise keywords ensure that articles align closely with a researcher’s needs, saving time and effort. Well-chosen keywords improve a paper’s visibility, increasing its chances of being found and cited. Accurate keyword selection improves the dissemination of knowledge and facilitates collaboration among scholars by facilitating access to related works.

Keywords serve several key purposes in research papers. Firstly, they aid in information retrieval. By including relevant terms, researchers make their work easily discoverable by peers. Secondly, keywords enhance the paper’s visibility, increasing its chances of being cited and referenced. Thirdly, keywords establish a common language for researchers within a particular field, facilitating communication. Lastly, they offer a concise snapshot of the paper’s core themes, assisting readers in quickly determining the paper’s applicability to their own work or interests.

References:

• George, E. Identifying keywords for scientific papers: A simple 5-step guide. Researcher.Life Blog. Available online at https://researcher.life/blog/article/identifying-keywords-for-scientific-papers-a-simple-5-step-guide/
• Herron, C. How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Manuscript. Redwood Ink. Available online at https://redwoodink.com/resources/how-to-choose-the-best-keywords-for-your-research-manuscript

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