Skip to main content
Voortgangsbalk
Previous step

Next step

💭 Think of search terms: how will you search for information?

After formulating your search query, think of search terms to find the right literature and sources. You might be used to typing anything into the search bar. If you don't immediately find the information you're looking for this way, you might mistakenly think it's not there. By developing search terms in a structured way before you start searching, your search results will be much better.

The building block method

An effective way to generate search terms is using the "building block method". You divide your search query into different components, for which you then create specific search terms.

For the query

"How has TikTok, and specifically the 'Booktok' community, influenced the reading behavior and preferences of young people (ages 12-18) in Flanders since 2020?"

The following components can be distinguished:

  • Booktok Community
  • Reading Behavior
  • Reading Preferences
  • Young Adults

For each component, you'll create different search terms. Consider synonyms for your search term, singular and plural forms, translations, or broader and narrower search terms. An example is:

  • Booktok community: online community, TikTok, book club, etc.
  • Reading behavior: reading behavior, reading habits, etc.
  • Reading preferences: reading preferences, favorite book, reading list, etc.
  • Young people: teenagers, high school students, students, etc.

AI tools and applications

Tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can help you identify the different components of your search query and formulate the right search terms, but you can also find translations and synonyms for your search terms in thesauri and dictionaries.

Step-by-step plan