Fundamental Research Skills

An effective search uses:

• keywords  and phrases linked with AND/OR/NOT
• search, field and results limiters
• proximity quotes “ ”
• truncation symbols*
• alternate keywords (synonyms)
• brackets ( ) to link terms and phrases

Using Truncation - requires fewer searches.

Use truncation when there is a common root prefix.

• child* = child, childish, children
• combine with your topic in a search

Using Proximity  - increases relevance

Place phrases in quotation marks to keep the words together in a search,

• "United States"
• "Climate Change"

Using Brackets - links similar terms in one search with OR

Use when you have synonyms and alternate terms

• ("nutrition* education" OR "dietetics education")