Search engines like Google allow for natural language searching, which allows you to use full questions or phrases in your search.
Library databases use keyword searching, which means that they look for every word you type into a search box in the information about each source that appears in your results list. If you include extra, unnecessary words you will eliminate some of the relevant results.
Start with the terms used in your textbook to describe interpersonal communication concepts. But keep in mind that the words used by researchers, communication journals, and/or library databases might be different. For example, scholars who study nonverbal communication might also use terms such as body language or gesture.
Some terms used in the textbook are not usually a successful search terms. For example, if you are interested in I-language, search instead for concepts related to that topic, such as perception or conflict.
If you have trouble finding research articles that address the specific relationship you are using for your research, try looking for research articles using broader terms. For example, if you are interested in relationships between mothers and sons, try searching for parents and children as well.
Keywords are the words you type into a search box to search for information on your topic. The words you use to describe your topic may be different from the words used in the library catalog (OneSearch) and library databases. For example, another way to describe teenagers might be adolescents.
Watch the video below for a short tutorial on keywords, including some good strategies for combining them effectively. If you have trouble finding information on your topic, ask a librarian for help choosing successful keywords.