Introduction

Databases

Database Selection

Start the Search

Advanced Search Techniques

Boolean

Truncation

Wildcards

Phrase Searching

Limiting

Adapt the Search

Checklist

 

 

Adapting the search

Adapt the Search: Narrowing

If you are retrieving too many articles, focus your search by adding terms, limiting terms to particular fields, or by limiting your searches.

Adapt the Search: Expanding

If you are retrieving too few articles, expand your search by removing terms or searching for terms in keywords or full-text. Consider adding synonyms or similar terms to your search if the ones you are using aren't very effective.

Adapt the Search: Be Flexible

Above all, be flexible in your searching. If one term doesn't work, try a different one. Approach your topic using as many search strategies as you can think of. There will never be one perfect search for your topic. It may take dozens of searches to retrieve all the necessary information.

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 December 3rd, 2004     Maintained by: Online Tutorials Team