The first word you think of is not the only word you can use. Each word will return different results.
Take a moment to examine the words you're using and clarify your research question. This will lead to more specific and accurate search terms. Remember, you can only find what you ask for in the search!
Push yourself to specify what you have in mind. If it's all of the above, that's okay, too. Now you will have a series of smaller research questions to investigate.
What are the essential things a source will need to include to be relevant to you? These are the main concepts of your research question.
Words like help or why aren't great search terms. If you really want to narrow in on sources about those topics, try a formal version like benefits, impact, efficacy, or effectiveness.
One way to identify these concepts is to write out your research question and then underline the most important words.
The main concepts of this question are:
Watch a one-minute clip about this below.
Brainstorm similar, narrower, and broader search terms for each of your main concepts. This creates a word bank of options to help you find great sources.
If you haven't already, now might be a good time to learn some basic information about your topic. Learn more about background research.
There are many words in English with the same or very similar meanings. Soda and pop are a great example.
List words that are similar to your concept. When in doubt, search online for synonyms or to see what other words come up.
Don't forget formal and official language. That is often the language found in academic articles and books.
An article that talks about rootbeer would be talking about soda, even if it never uses that word.
List some examples or narrower categories of your concept. Again, it's fine to search for ideas online.
Some concepts are already very specific, so this may not apply.
An article talking about soda is also talking about root beer, even if it never uses that word.
List some broader categories or words your concept belongs to.
Some concepts are already very broad, so this may not apply.
| Neurodivergence | |
| Similar | Neurodivergent, Neurodiverse |
| Narrower | Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder |
| Broader | X |
| Academic Performance | |
| Similar | Grades, Grade Point Average |
| Narrower | Passing, Failing, Withdrawing, Graduation rate |
| Broader | Academic achievement |
| High School | |
|---|---|
| Similar | High schoolers, Secondary school |
| Narrower | X |
| Broader | Teenagers, Adolescents |
Note: A search for a very broad topic like teens and academic performance will return results about school, even though school wasn't explicitly mentioned. This won't work in every search.