AMOS: a structured approach to online research
The Advanced Model for Online Search (AMOS) is an eight-step methodology for planning, conducting, validating and refining online information searches, regardless of the subject area or geographic focus.
It helps researchers define their topics, account for different languages, identify relevant targets, develop effective keywords, select appropriate search tools and assess their findings. Its purpose is to make research more systematic, efficient and verifiable.
Put the methodology into practice
The free ThinkTankers AMOS tool guides you through the preparation of a search plan. It does not run searches for you: you apply the queries you prepare using your chosen search tools. No account is required, and the information you enter is not stored.
The eight steps of the AMOS model
A clear process, from framing a research question to improving search results.
Define the research topics
Set the scope according to your needs and objectives, whether you are exploring an industry, a specialist field, a broad issue or a specific question.
Define the languages
Select relevant languages and adapt terminology to how it is actually used in each language, rather than relying on one language alone.
Define the targets
Identify the relevant actors and categories of sources, including researchers, businesses, institutions, policymakers and other groups.
List the keywords
Build keywords aligned with your topics and targets, then combine them with related terms to improve the relevance of search results.
Select the search tools
Choose general-purpose search engines, specialist tools, metasearch engines and, where appropriate, AI-assisted tools, while checking the sources they provide.
Search and collect
Conduct searches using the selected tools, collect useful information and retain the details needed to verify it.
Validate the results
Assess the quality, reliability and relevance of the information using the 4Q-PC method explained below.
Refine the search
Adjust terms, targets, tools or search criteria to filter out irrelevant results and improve precision.
Validate information with the 4Q-PC method
Before using collected information, AMOS encourages researchers to examine it through six complementary questions.
Who is behind the information: an individual, institution or company?
How reliable and precise is the information? Is it consistent and independently verifiable?
When was it published or updated, and is it still relevant?
In what geographic context, and through which channel, was it published and distributed?
What is the source trying to achieve: inform, promote, persuade or defend a particular position?
How is the information structured and maintained: as regularly updated content or as a static document?
For a more detailed source assessment, you can also use ThinkTankers Radar.
A methodology for different research contexts
AMOS can be used for sectoral, territorial, economic and thematic research. Its structured approach lets users adapt their search methods to different needs, languages and regions while documenting methodological choices and information validation.