1 of 8
Define the search topics
One topic per plan. The more precise the question, the better the keywords.
Write it as one sentence. It will serve as a test: every result you keep must help answer it.
2 of 8
Define the languages
Each language you tick opens its own set of keywords in step d. A word-for-word translation is rarely enough: each language has its own terms of use.
3 of 8
Define the targets
Which actors the search is about. Targets guide the choice of tools in step e.
If the search concerns individuals, comply with the legal framework that applies to personal data protection.
4 of 8
List the keywords
The four fields mirror those of advanced search forms. Separate terms with spaces, or with commas if a term has several words.
Tick at least one language in step b.
5 of 8
Select the search tools
When a tool offers an advanced search mode, use it: it applies your fields without you having to know its syntax.
Examples by category
- General search enginesGoogle, Bing, DuckDuckGo
- Regional search enginesBaidu for Chinese, Yandex for Russian, Naver for Korean
- Academic literatureGoogle Scholar, OpenAlex, HAL
- Company dataOfficial registers of the country concerned, OpenCorporates
- Web archivesWayback Machine (Internet Archive)
- OSINT directoriesOSINT Framework, IntelTechniques Search Tools
- AI engines and assistantsPerplexity, chat assistants with web search. Check every source they cite.
Indicative examples, without links and in no order of preference. The availability and features of these tools change: check them before use.
6 of 8
Search and collect
You run the search yourself, in the tools selected in step e. For each language, copy each line into the matching field of their advanced search mode.
Your queries will appear here as soon as you enter keywords.
7 of 8
Validate the results
Every result you keep must pass the six questions of the 4Q-PC method before it is used. To assess a source in detail, use ThinkTankers Radar.
- Who?The author, institution or company behind the information can be identified.
- What?The information is of good quality: precise, verifiable, consistent with other sources.
- When?The publication and update dates are known and fit your need.
- Where?The place of publication and distribution is identified: country, outlet or platform of origin.
- Why?The purpose of the source is understood: to inform, sell, influence, defend a position.
- How?The structure of the information suits your need: dynamic (updated, feed) or static (fixed document).
8 of 8
Refine the search
No more than 30 minutes per search
If no convincing result appears within that time, do not keep going with the same search: it is the approach that needs to change, not your persistence.
Change your angle by pulling one or more of these levers: