SPLH 660: Research Methods: Helpful searching hints

Searching by subject:

1. Consider the major words to search that define your subject
2. Use quotes around phrases ("cochlear implants"). In PubMed, try the phrase search first without quotes.
3. Combine words with AND to narrow a topic ("cochlear implants" AND infants)
4. Broaden search with OR between words (anorexia OR bulimia)
5. Use truncation symbols (*, ?) to search for variant spelling
6. Review the LIMITs the database offers:
   • Publication years
   • Language
   • Age groups
7. Restrict search to a specific field in the record (title, descriptor)

Review and analyze titles and abstracts to identify other terms to search.