1. Use main concepts as search words

Your search words should be only the words that express the main concepts in your research question. Words that don't convey main concepts should not be used as search terms. They can cause many useful things to be left out of your search results. Here are some types of words to avoid:

  • question words like how, what, why
  • words like a, an, the, in, from, about
  • evaluative words like best, worst, positive, negative, advantage, beneficial, harmful


Example:

Research Topic: How effecitve are labels on green products
Good choice of Search Words: labels, green products

2. Try alternate search words

Different words can be used to represent the same main concept. Be prepared to think of synonyms or related terms. They can help you

  • adjust your search if you don't get good results at first
  • find more or better results

Here are some alternate terms for this research question: How effective are labels on green products?

Main ConceptsAlternate Search Terms

green products
  • environmentally-friendly products
  • eco-friendly products

labels
  • standards
  • certification

3. Use filters provided by Library Quick Topic Search and Databases

A number of limits are available on results lists to refine your search including format, publication type and subject.

See screenshot examples in:

Start  your search on the Library Website now!

Need individual help? Ask a librarian.