Argument and research: Search words and strategies

Make a list of search words

To begin a search successfully, you muse use a variety of words that related to your topic.

• Think of the different words and phrases that people use when they discuss your topic.
• Consider broader and narrower words, and synonyms (words that have the same meaning).
• Identify search words through your background research or ask a librarian for help in finding words that are used in your field of research.

Image Source: Tick icons created by Kiranshastry - Flaticon

Develop efficient strategies to search for books, articles and websites 

• Searching is CREATIVE - use synonyms or different search words to find the sources you need
• LEARN as you search - keep your eyes open for new words or terminology that you find in your sources (book, article or website results).  Use this new search vocabulary for your next search
• Be a DETECTIVE- if you find a good source, dig deeper and explore any links or other suggested resources.  These will lead you to more information
• Look in MORE THAN ONE PLACE - use all the search tools available to you, such as the library catalog, library databases, and the internet
• DON'T STOP after one or two tries - if you can't find what you need, ask a librarian for help

Image Source: Tick icons created by Kiranshastry - Flaticon

Library Database Search Strategies 

1. Boolean operators

   • When searching the library catalog, databases, or the internet, AND / OR / NOT help you broaden or narrow your search results:

2. Truncation

   • Use truncation symbols (usually ? or *) in library catalogs and databases to capture all forms of words (forest* will retrieve forest, forests, forester, forested, foresting).

3. Keep it simple

   • Keep searches simple using basic search words.

   • Example:  Search on body image women rather than how does body image affect women in the United States?

4. Try different keywords 

   • Use a variety of search words. 
   • For example, try different searches to find different results:
     • body image women
     • self image women 
     • personal appearance women
     • anorexia women
     • body image teenagers
     • ...etc.

5. Use advanced search features

   • Become a power internet searcher! 
   • For example, use the advanced search in Google, linked below, to get better results from your internet searches

How to brainstorm:

1. State your research question/topic

   • Example: "How do cigarette companies target children with their advertising?"

2. Extract main concepts:

3. Brainstorm key words:

Keywords can be:

• synonyms
• related terms
• broader ideas
• narrower ideas
• alternate spellings
• specific examples
• abbreviations or acronyms

Use a chart for your brainstorming

Click below to download your own "Search Word Brainstorming Chart."

Keep this chart with you to help you search more effectively!

Image source: Download icons created by Kiranshastry - Flaticon

Watch this short video (3 mins!) about Boolean operators and how they are used in search engines like Google and in library databases.