Research Support
How to search databases
Step One:
Once you have chosen a database and selected the search option, you must determine "keywords" that can be used for your search. For example, if you are interested in "diabetes among children", your search can be broken down into "diabetes" and "children". It is then important to think of other words that can also be used to search. For diabetes, keywords that can also be used include: diabets 1, diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes. For children, we can target specific age groups by further editing our search parameters. Many databases will map the terms entered to keywords they have determined.
Step Two:
Once you have determined your search words, you must then enter them into search fields. You combine the separate elements of your search with "AND" while combining synonyms or your alternate keywords with "OR". This may appear as "diabetes" AND "children OR youth". The following image displays a search using the "AND" function.
Once you have chosen a database and selected the search option, you must determine "keywords" that can be used for your search. For example, if you are interested in "diabetes among children", your search can be broken down into "diabetes" and "children". It is then important to think of other words that can also be used to search. For diabetes, keywords that can also be used include: diabets 1, diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes. For children, we can target specific age groups by further editing our search parameters. Many databases will map the terms entered to keywords they have determined.
Step Two:
Once you have determined your search words, you must then enter them into search fields. You combine the separate elements of your search with "AND" while combining synonyms or your alternate keywords with "OR". This may appear as "diabetes" AND "children OR youth". The following image displays a search using the "AND" function.
For a further explanation on searching and boolean logic, please click here.
Video Tutorials for Databases
The following videos provide search tips for databases such as CINAHL, PubMed and Web of Science. If you require further assistance with searching databases feel free to set up a consultation with a librarian, here.