When should I use Concept Search?
When You Don’t Have Exact Bill Text
If you have a broad policy idea—like “renewable energy incentives” or “affordable housing programs”—but not a specific snippet of text.
Example: You’ve read several articles about gig economy labor laws but don’t have a particular piece of legislation to copy and paste.
When Different Jurisdictions Use Varying Terminology
Concept Search uncovers laws, regulations, and bills even if they don’t use the exact same words.
Example: One state might call it “rideshare worker protections,” while another refers to “transportation network company labor rights.” By entering multiple concepts, you’ll capture both.
When You Have a Thematic Focus with Multiple Facets
You can list or upload multiple core ideas (five or more) to ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant subtopics.
Example: If you’re investigating “mental health services for veterans,” you might specify concepts like “veterans affairs,” “mental health counseling,” “PTSD treatment options,” “military service member benefits,” and “VA partnerships.”
When You Want Broader Discovery
Because Concept Search checks for thematic overlap, it can help you discover new areas you hadn’t considered.
Example: Searching for laws on “urban recycling initiatives” may also bring up related waste management or sustainability programs that fit your overall goal.
When You’re Fine-Tuning a Zipped File of Research
If you have a PDF or TXT file discussing a policy topic, uploading it as a .zip lets the AI pinpoint core concepts.
Example: You’ve compiled a white paper on “affordable housing solutions.” Uploading this file allows ScholarsEdge to extract themes like “rental assistance,” “housing vouchers,” or “tax incentives,” which might appear under different names in legislative documents.
Quick Tip
If you have a specific passage from a bill or regulation—especially if you want to see how states have mirrored or adapted that same language—then Similarity Search could be a better fit. Otherwise, Concept Search is your go-to for broad or multi-faceted topics.