![]() Notice the capitalisation: do all keywords start with a capital letter or is only the first keyword capitalized?.So too the punctuationthat follows (usually a colon or space).The formattingcan differ – Keywords or KEYWORDS (all capitals), bold or normal, italics or normal.Journals do not even agree on whether it should be ‘keywords’ or ‘key words’ (one word or two).Formatting the keywords to match the journal’s styleīefore you submit your manuscript, examine the style specifications of your target journal to determine how exactly the keywords are to be presented, because styles can differ across journals. If most of the search results are relevant, the keywords are fine if not, you need to revise them. Paste each keyword or multiple keywords into the search box of several search engines and scan the results. Instead of settling for the first terms that come to your mind, it is a good idea to test them out. In general, abbreviations do not make good keywords, because a given abbreviation or acronym may be used for different terms depending on the domain.įor example, SDI can mean ‘strategic defence initiative’ but also stand for ‘selective dissemination of information’. ‘Fitness’ is somewhat vague: phrases such as ‘Levels of fitness’, ‘Cardiovascular fitness’ or ‘Measuring fitness levels’ would be more effective and targeted. ‘Monsoon’ is too broad: How about ‘southwest monsoon’ or ‘northeast monsoon’? It is best to use two- or three-word phrases as keywords. In fact, single words – because they are too broad – rarely make good keywords. Understand that keywords do not have to be single words. If ‘design of blades’ is a phrase you have used in the title, ‘wind turbines’ might work as a keyword. If your paper is about vertebrates, consider whether ‘mammals’ or even ‘primates’ are appropriate as keywords. Think of terms that expand or narrow down the scope of your paper If ‘renewable energy’ is part of your title, you might consider ‘sustainable energy’ as a keyword.Ī few more examples are ‘adrenaline’ and ‘epinephrine’, and ‘weight training’ and ‘strength training’. ![]() Zea mays or Oryza sativa), then the corresponding common name will be a good keyword (e.g. If you have used a botanical name as part of the title of the paper (e.g. Instead, think of synonyms which make good keywords. Keywords used in the title are automatically indexed, so using terms found in the title as keywords is a wasted opportunity. Think of synonyms for words used in the title (Read more here about how keywords – and other elements of a paper – can help improve its discoverability: Maximise discoverability of your research through Titles, Abstracts and Keywords) Developing keywords a. By treating keywords as a mere formality or even a chore, you are doing injustice to your paper. For all you know, those people will not only read your paper but may even cite it. Well-chosen keywords bring your paper to the attention of those who are actively looking for information on the topic of your paper. This article explains the importance of keywords and gives you some tips on how to choose the right keywords, what to avoid as keywords, and, once you have chosen the appropriate keywords, how to format them. However, this is unfortunate, because selecting keywords after some careful deliberation can bring you multiple benefits as a researcher trying to get noticed in your academic community, not least by making your paper more discoverable. ![]() They are often hastily put together right at the end and often only to meet the submission criteria. Let’s say this straightaway: keywords are the most neglected part of a manuscript. Core Skills for Early Career ResearchersĬreating and formatting Keywords for paper submission and communication. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |