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Define the term 'keywords' within the context of an academic database record, describe how they differ from standardized index terms, and state the main implication of this difference for a researcher trying to locate relevant literature.
Question: Define the term 'keywords' within the context of an academic database record, describe how they differ from standardized index terms, and state the main implication of this difference for a researcher trying to locate relevant literature.
Sample answer: In an academic database record, keywords are descriptive terms used to summarize the specific content of a scholarly work, such as an article or book chapter. Unlike standardized index terms, keywords are often author-supplied or highly specific. The implication of this difference is that researchers cannot rely on a single search query; instead, they must experiment with different word combinations and levels of specificity to successfully locate relevant literature.
Key points:
- Keywords are descriptive terms summarizing the specific content of a scholarly work.
- Keywords differ from standardized index terms because they are often author-supplied or highly specific.
- Researchers must experiment with varied word combinations and levels of specificity to locate relevant literature.
Rubric: To receive full credit, the response must: 1) define keywords as descriptive terms summarizing specific content of scholarly work; 2) distinguish keywords from standardized index terms by noting they are author-supplied or highly specific; and 3) explain that researchers must experiment with different word combinations and levels of specificity to find literature.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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