All the databases contain the same basic elements. You are able to use operators, truncation, phrases. There are possibilities to limit the result by certain technical features. You can revise the queries and see/save the Search history.
The queries in databases can be adjusted in a detailed way. You can build complex queries with several connecting operators to get just what you need.
How this is done varies from database to database.
A query form means the interface of a search engine. In the form, you place the search terms and choose the operators in order to formulate the query.
It is essential to type the search query in a way that the search logic works correctly. The key element is, that the OR-operations should be executed first if there are both AND- and OR-operators within the same query.
This is done only with parentheses around the OR-operation in the basic search query form or with the way you place your search terms into the advanced query form. This is needed because databases principally execute AND- and NOT-operations as well as proximity operators first in practice.
Basic search
Basic search –type form contains one box where you type the whole query.
Operators and parentheses, if needed, must be typed by yourself.
Usually, if you don’t type anything between search terms, there will be the AND-operator by default.
Examples of Basic search:
Here parentheses are needed around the OR-operation. The typing order of the operations has no effect to the query logic.
Advanced search
Advanced search –type form allows you to make more sophisticated queries. It also helps to build a structured search where the operator logic is correct.
When a query contains both AND- and OR-operations, it is important, that the OR-operations are executed first. The easiest way to make a logic query is to think that one line in query form is equivalent to one search concept.
All the alternative terms referring to the same concept are written to the same line. Between the alternative terms, you must type the OR-operator by yourself.
The next concept is written to the next line. Lines (concepts) are connected with AND-operator.
Notice: Names of the search types might vary from database to database. You can search in a quick and rough way – this is what we call Basic search here. Or you can search with more detailed and tailored way: this is called Advanced search in this connection.
In a database, each record consists of fields. A record of a publication reference contains information about tracing the publication and information about the topic of the publication.
Typically a record on a reference database contains the fields Title, Author, Subject, Abstract and Source. Especially the Subject terms (here MeSH terms) provide additional value while searching for a topic compared with using common search engines. The record in the picture is from the PubMed-database.
When you are looking for a topic, the most informative fields on a record are Title and Subject but also Abstract or even Full-text along with Source name.
Limiting you search term only to have occurred in a Title or a Subject –field will help to focus your search to the most relevant results.
A search term occurring in an Abstract might be relevant, but it can also be incidental. A lot depends on the context or on the term itself. Usually, it is wise to use several search concepts in order to define the specific aspect.
Example: You are interested in How dyslexia affects learning. You make a query:
dyslexia AND learning As a result, both these records contain both terms, but the one on the left side is not related with your topic.
A search term occurring in Abstract can be very useful, but it is equally as common that a proper term as such is not in the right context.
Example of a query utilising fields: dyslexia [Keywords] AND learning[Title]
Watch a video (1:52 ) of Field searching by Wahlstrom Library. The link opens in Youtube in a new tab.
