Search Techniques

SEARCH TECHNIQUES 
C.   Constructing a search statement: Field-Specific Searching

Each record in a database contains fields (which vary according to the database you are searching).  Some common fields are:  Author, Title, Journal Name.  You have already used field searching if you have ever searched in the library catalog by Title or Author.  Searching by field is a good way to make your search more precise.  The field searching features will look different on different search systems, but they will be there! 

EBSCOhost (which is the system to use for CINAHL) Advanced mode offers a few ways to search by field. On the main search screen for the Advanced Search, you can use a drop-down menu to change from a keyword search (Select a Field (optional)) to a search in any one specific field.

Or, you can go farther down on the main search page and choose Limit your results to restrict your search to one or more fields of your choice.

Many databases also allow you to limit your search to specific fields even after you have completed a keyword search.  This can be really helpful if the keyword search gave you too many results. In the ODU Libraries Catalog, for example, you can limit your existing search results by language, year of publication, etc.  In EBSCOhost databases, you can click on the Search History tab, select one of your previous searches, click on the link that says Revise, and then apply new limits to your search.

Other useful fields to search in CINAHL are publication type, cited references, instrumentation, institution, legal cases.  

Keep in mind that different databases have different fields and different field codes. Some Internet search engines allow limiting by field from an Advanced mode.  Always use the online HELP to find the fields specific to your database. 

CHECK YOURSELF

Next:  Subject vs Keyword Searching