Advanced Writing DBL - Decision 13

1. TYPES OF SEARCHES

2. Most database search engines allow a variety of
search types:
•This search uses special vocabulary that pertains to what an article is about
•A subject search is precise, ensuring the articles you find are relevant to your subject area
•The selected subject words need not be included explicitly in the article text
•You must know the specific terms to use – the search engine’s thesaurus is helpful here
Subject Search
•This search looks for language used in the article
•A keyword search will find more articles but they may or may not be relevant
•The keywords must be included explicitly in the article text
•You should brainstorm synonyms for your keywords to ensure you use what authors use
Keyword Search
•This search looks for all works that contain the search terms in their title or author fields
•A title/author search is narrower than other types of searches
•The search terms must be included explicitly in the title or author field chosen
•The format of an author’s name is often important, e.g., Nelson, G. not George Nelson
Title/Author
Search

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