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Types of Searches Once you have selected a database, you should determine how that database can be searched. There are two basic types of searches. Each database may use a slight variation or combination of these types:
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A keyword search allows you to search for any word you choose. For instance, the Factiva database can search for any word in the headline, initial paragraph, full text of articles or author field.
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| Some databases use a specific list of terms called controlled
vocabulary to organize the database's contents by subject. Databases with
controlled vocabulary use very specific terms for concepts when searching by subject. In
order to retrieve relevant information, it is useful for the user to be aware of this
special terminology. The example below is from the ERIC Database. Note the different term used for "abused children".
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Most databases allow you to search both ways:
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Adapted with permission from Oasis, San Francisco State University http://oasis.sfsu.edu
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