Using PsychINFO

Using PsycINFO

Searching the database 1. Type search terms into the box. Use any of these tools to help you select your search terms.
Thesaurus		A searchable list of subject headings called descriptors used in PsycINFO. Provides links to broader, narrower, and related terms.
Suggest		Attempts to match your word with valid descriptors.
Index		General index; a complete list of indexed words and phrases in PsycINFO.

2. Change any options as you wish.
Change Display	Change the way search results are shown on the screen. Click on Confirm Changes after making selections.
Limits	Choose from a variety of limiters including publication type, date, language.

3. Click on Start Search.

Using Boolean Operators

For efficient searching, use the appropriate boolean operators to combine terms.

AND		limits a search by retrieving records that contain both terms.
OR		expands a search by retrieving records that contain either term.
NOT		excludes a term from a search by retrieving records that contain the first term and specifically eliminates any record that contains the second term.
WITH		retrieves records that contain both terms in the same field.
NEAR		retrieves records that contain both terms in the same sentence.

Using Field Codes

Search in specific fields for precise results.
For example, to search for communication as a descriptor, type communication in DE.
This is a list of the most commonly used field codes. A full list of codes is available online.

AB	Abstract	DT	Document Type	MN	Minor Descriptor
AU	Author	JN	Journal Title	SO	Source
DE	Descriptors	MJ	Major Descriptor	TI	Title

Search Tips

Help and search tips are available at any point in the search process by clicking on Help

Don't make your initial search too specific.

Use the thesaurus to locate descriptors - this will provide more precise search results.

Use truncation [*] and the wildcard [?] to retrieve variations of a search term.
For example, Emotion* will search for emotion, emotions, emotional and Wom?n will search for women, woman.

Use parentheses to avoid ambiguity in complex searches.

Use hyphens to keep search terms or descriptors connected.

Read the abstracts to identify appropriate and useful articles. Mark them as you go along, then print out or email your marked list.

Take note of additional descriptors in records for useful articles. Use these descriptors in new or modified searches.

Perform multiple searches using different descriptors, or different combinations of descriptors.

Save your search history to use in future sessions.

Locating resources after gathering citations

After gathering citations, you will either need to check in the library catalog to locate books, or check for the availability of periodical titles to locate journal article.

If you need assistance at any time, ask for help at the Research Assistance Desk.

Last updated 11/10/2001



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