Developing Effective Search Strategies

Vocabulary Selection

Incorrect use of search vocabulary is the single largest cause of a failed search. Here are three tips to help you use better search vocabulary.

1. Be deliberate in your choice of a keyword versus a subject heading search.
2. Use the appropriate search terms used by each database.
3. Keep a research log.

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Tip #1: Be deliberate in your choice of a keyword versus a subject heading search.

Keyword Searching retrieves a word or phrase in any field in a record. Keyword searching retrieves only exactly what you type. It does NOT retrieve materials about a topic unless your exact term appears somewhere in the record. While keyword searching is very powerful, many materials about your topic may not use your term in the record. So, searching for subject headings /descriptors is also very important.

For example, a keyword search for "online teaching" retrieves a brief title list, where the terms 'online' and 'teaching' appear in the title or another part of the record.

But a check of one of the titles from this list (by clicking on "detail") shows that there are unique subject headings assigned to this topic. 

Subject terms [descriptors] are "official" terms used by each database to categorize records by topics.  From our example above,  the subject headings appear on the CAT record as 'subject term'.  If we then search on all of these 'search terms', the number of search results is increased.

For example, searching for "Education, Higher--Computer-assisted instruction" retrieves titles which are about online teaching, but do not necessarily use the words "online" or "teaching" in the title.

The chart below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using keyword searches versus subject heading searches.

Keywords vs. Subject Headings
Search Type	Best Used When...	Disadvantages
Keyword	unsure of subject heading searching for terms not used as a subject headings words can be anywhere in a record	retrieves only exactly what you type. It does not pick up synonyms, plurals,         misspellings, etc.
Subject headings	headings accurately describe the topic 'cluster' records by a common term	are sometimes too broad

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Tip #2: Use the appropriate search terms used by each database.

Subject terms [also called 'headings', or 'descriptors'], are selected by database producers to describe specific areas of content.  These subject terms can vary from database to database to describe the same content.  For example, neither ERIC nor PsycINFO use the term "handicapped."  ERIC uses "disabilities" whereas PsycINFO used "disabled."  One term is not necessarily better than another.  What IS important is that you determine the term used by the database you are searching to retrieve the most appropriate materials. The chart below provides further examples of how different subject terms can be from database to database.

Looking for Information in Three Different Databases: A Comparison of Appropriate Search Terms
ABI Inform [business]	ERIC [education]	PsycINFO [psychology]
communication Literacy / tutoring	computer mediated communication Workplace literacy	computed assisted instruction + communications systems Literacy
Competency based educational tests	Competency Based Education Performance Based Assessment	Minimum Competency Tests Educational Measurement Competence

So the next question is: "How do I determine the term used by the database?"  You can do this in two ways:

1. use the database's "Thesaurus" tool (a common feature of most databases). This will cross-list useful and related terms.
2. begin your research by conducting a keyword search and note the subject terms used in the best articles that you retrieve.  Re-do your search using these new terms. Continually note additional terms and add them to your search.

Tip #3 - Keep a research log.

Different combinations of subject terms are used in individual records.  For a comprehensive search, you should search on each one of these terms.  It is a good idea to keep a research log of terms used for each database that you use. Your research log is your diary and record for your research. The log reflects your research process, as distinct from the specific content of the information you are investigating.

Keeping the record of your research process in an organized way saves time and enhances performance. You may choose to keep your research log in a notebook or electronic file, or a combination of each. An electronic version on a computer disc allows you directly input search results as you conduct searches in electronic databases and also to cut and paste bibliographic citations you will use later when you cite sources. Some elements of your research log might include:

• A statement of your research problem
• A topic definition statement
• The research questions that need to be answered
• A list of potentially useful resources
• A list of appropriate databases
• Useful citations to investigate
• Interview notes if applicable
• Ideas for future projects
• Reminders of additional leads to follow

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