2.1 : Which search terms should I use?

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Before beginning your search for literature or information, it's important to first define precisely what you are looking for. Hazardly beginning a search does not often result in reliable results, or at least not quickly. Formulating a good problem definition first will save you a considerable amount of work. It will allow you to conduct a more targeted search. What information are you looking for precisely? What would you like to know? Are you looking for general information on your subject or are you dividing your research into subtopics?

2.1.1 : From subject to problem definition

Using the questions below, you can formulate a specific and clear-cut assignment or problem definition.

The biggest problem encountered when conducting research is not receiving too little information. Typically, you end up with so much information that you stray from your original research task. That is why it's wise to ask a key question when conducting research. Your research should provide an answer to this question.

Try using this key question to formulate a number of sub-questions that support the main question to be answered.

2.1.2 : From problem definition to search terms

You can extract your search terms from your problem definition. The search terms form the basis for the searches. The trick is to use as few search terms as possible to find the most relevant publications possible, while receiving as few as possible irrelevant publications.

To find appropriate search terms, it is best to look up basic information in reference works (see module 1). For this, see print and online encyclopaedias, as well as general and specialist dictionaries. You can create the search terms while keeping that basic information in mind.

Different relations exist within a search term:

If you complet your initial search terms of your problem definition with translations, synonyms, broader terms, narrower terms, etc., you will generate a good set of search terms.