When constructing a search, the first step is to identify the main concepts of your topic.

For example, if you are researching the influence of interest groups on elections, you need to identify the main concepts of your search:

When searching the political science literature, It is important to consider alternative words and phrases, because not all authors use the same words when writing about a topic. Consider the following:

• Synonyms and other related terms.
• Alternative spellings, abbreviations, or acronyms.

If you searched a few databases for the terms above, you may find related words like special interests and lobbying. Additionally, you may find a need to narrow your research to presidential, congressional, or mid-term elections.