17 Main Concepts
Identify the main concepts in your research question. What are the most important ideas and words in your topic? Use these main concepts to generate keywords for your search. Avoid abstract or implied concepts. Databases search for the exact words that you enter, so avoid relationship words (compare, contrast, correlation, etc.) and judgment words (pro, con, advantages, benefits, etc.).
Example: How are birds affected by wind turbines?
The main concepts are birds and wind turbines. Avoid terms like affect (except the noun) and effect as search terms, even when you’re looking for studies that report effects or effectiveness.
Example: What lesson plans are available for teaching fractions?
The main concepts are lesson plans and fractions. Stick to what’s necessary. For example, it may not be necessary to search “teaching” since teaching is implied in lesson plans.
Sometimes your research question itself can seem complicated. Make sure you’ve stated the question as precisely as possible (as you learned in Research Questions). Then apply our advice for identifying main concepts as usual.
