* : The asterisk (shift/8 on the keyword) is the truncation symbol used in most databases. It's a quick shorthand for singular, plural, noun and adjectival forms of words. For examples, addict* looks for: addict, addicts, addiction, addictions, addictive, etc.
Whether you are searching for books in the Five College Library Catalog, or searching for scholarly articles in a library database, it pays to be organized as you start your search. Break down searching into a three step process.
STEP 1
Write down as much information about your topic as possible. (You can use Encyclopedias and other reference books to help gather background information). Answer the following questions:
Then, try to summarize what you are looking for in one or two sentences.
EXAMPLE: If adolescent girls with a history of PTSD are given dialectical behavior therapy or family therapy, which will result in healthy regulation of anger and reduced stress?
STEP 2
Using the information in Step 1, list the main concepts of your topic.
EXAMPLE: PTSD; behavior therapy; family therapy; stress reduction; anger control; adolescent girls
STEP 3
Now create a list of synonyms of your key concepts. Think broadly, think narrowly! This step is helping you expand your search by expressing your query in a variety of ways. If you get too many results, then you can work on focusing your search.
PTSD
|
behavior therapy
|
stress
To focus more, add--
|
You will use the word lists you developed in Step 3 to create search strategies. Use "OR" between synonyms and "AND" between concepts. For instance:
(PTSD) AND (behavior therapy or family therapy ) AND (stress or anger)