Drafting a research question

When you are searching for (scholarly) information you usually have some sort of problem that you want to answer with the help of reliable and relevant information sources.

It is a good idea to draft a research question early on in your process, as it can be used as a base for your searches. The more narrow your research question is, the easier it will be to assess what material will be relevant for you. Sometimes it can be difficult to narrow down your research question at the beginning, but keep in mind that the research question can, and most likely will, change throughout the process – which is entirely normal.

Please watch this video from NC State University Libraries about formulating a searchable research topic (2.08 min)

Credits

When you have come up with a clear enough research question it is time to identify the most important terms and concepts within your question. It is not going to work to type the entire research question into the search engine or database you want to use. The concepts you have identified as important are the words you will use as search terms in your chosen search engine or database.

One tip could be to document your entire search process. It makes it easier if you ever have to go back and redo a search. Sometimes you are also asked to describe your search process in the method section of your essay and then it could be nice to have some notes to look back on.

Finding search terms

It can sometimes be difficult to find the specific search terms that will give you the most relevant hits when you make your search. It is important to try different words or terms and to be observant on how the result differs based on which terms you use and how you combine them. If you struggle finding relevant search terms, try asking Copilot* for suggestions. The most important thing is to just start trying things out.

Consider possible synonyms, singular/plural, different spellings (like American and British spelling: color and colour) and different inflexions. Make sure to write down all the words you think might be useful.

Illustration of the process of choosing search terms

In the next section, you will get more tips on how to find relevant and useful search terms.

* Copilot is Microsoft's AI tool based on the technology of ChatGPT4. All students at Karlstad University has access by loging in with their Kau-ID.