General Database Searching Tips

• Use advanced search
• Use the limiters provided such as "search for peer-reviewed journals" or "English only"
• Use the Help function of the database to find out how to use advanced features of the database. It usually looks something like this:

To limit your search, add more terms with AND

An example of a very limited, specific search:
(cats OR dogs) AND rain AND weather AND idioms

Note: The more terms you add to a search with AND, the more limited it will be because each search result must include ALL of your terms

To broaden your search, add more terms with OR

An example of a broad search:
(birds OR fowl OR turkeys OR chickens OR roosters) AND
(behavior OR habits OR habitats)

Note: The more terms you add to search with OR, the broader it will be because each search result can include ANY of your terms

More detailed search tips