Identify Search Words

Make a List of a Variety of Search Words

• Think of synonyms: different words and phrases people use when they discuss your topic
• Consider broader and narrower words 
• Think of alternate spellings and abbreviations
• Collect search words through your research 
• Ask a librarian for help in finding words that are used in your topic's area of study

Using the Boolean Operators

Watch the short video below about using the Boolean AND, OR, and NOT limiters

Identify Search Words and Strategies

Keep this checklist with you to help you ask questions that will organize your research.

• Download the “Identify Search Words and Synonyms” brainstorm chart

Potential Search Words for Controversial Topics

Copy and paste one of these search strategies into a library database to see if it gives you more focused results that support your topic or research question

• debate OR controversy OR criticism OR arguments OR disagreements OR counterpoint
• pros OR proponents OR supporters
• benefits OR advantages OR effectiveness OR improvement
• stakeholders OR advocates OR leaders OR supporters OR proponents
• cons OR opponents OR critics
• drawbacks OR disadvantages OR failures OR difficulties
• causes OR origins OR problems 
• consequences OR effects OR results OR repercussions OR reactions OR aftermath OR fallout
• solutions OR resolutions OR proposals