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How to Do Research


Syntax is the way in which words are combined to form a string of words or a phrase for a specific purpose.

Search syntax is the string of words you use to implement a search within any electronic information resource, including the World Wide Web.

Search syntax is your gateway to the wealth of information that is now available electronically. While the elements of any given search syntax will be similar, whatever the context, they are not always identical.

There is no one standard to which all search engines adhere. Your keys to success will be the instructions that accompany each information source you use and the tips that follow.

Use discriminating terms that are most likely to be found in the documents you seek.
The more specific words you use, the better the results.
Identify phrases (generally with quotation marks).
Add qualifying words or phrases to further refine your query.
Separate multiple phrases or proper names with a comma.
Use lower case to match words in any case. Lower case does not discriminate.

For example, next (lower case) will find matches for Next, next, and NEXT.

Use UPPER case to indicate an exact match when searching for a proper name. UPPER case does discriminate.

A query for NEXT (upper case) will only match NEXT.
Use a require or reject operator (+ , -)
Use Boolean operators "and," "or," "not," "adj" (adjacent)


Unit 1: Doing Research: 7 of 8

Information Sources | Selecting the Best | Developing a Research Strategy | Subject & Keyword Searching | Narrowing Your Search | Expanding Your Search | Whys & Hows of Search Syntax | Search Syntax for Life | Glossary

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Last updated: Friday, 02-Jul-2004 16:48:38 EDT