Biosis basp Page 2
SEARCHING OVERVIEW
info@biosis.org · www.biosis.org
Search
Natural Language
Controlled
Vocabulary
Broad
Specific
Major
Concepts
Biosystematic
Codes
Concept
Codes
Maximum
Relevancy
Refine
Results
Refine
Results
Maximum
Number of
Relevant
Hits
Maximum
Number
of Hits
Specific
Subject
Fields
Title
Descriptors
Maximum Retrieval (free-text, title, etc.)
Pathway to Success
Determine if you are looking for maximum
return or maximum relevant return. Then
choose one of these paths to successful searching.
Depending
on your search
strategy, include more
controlled and/or
noncontrolled term(s)
to refine/broaden
your search
Qualify
search term(s) by
using BIOSIS' controlled
vocabulary lists
(Authority File) or the
BIOSIS Search Guide's
Vocabulary Guide
Section
Are
the search term(s)
controlled?
Check synonyms
and variants
(e.g., singular/plural)
of the term(s)
Check
application for
broader and/or
narrower terms,
as well as
related terms and
scope notes
Review results
and check
for relevancy
Search as
noncontrolled term(s)
using natural-language
including any
synonyms, variants
(e.g., singular/
plural), etc.
Search
completed
successfully
Carry out
search, expand
if necessary
YES
NO
NO
YES
Controlled vs. Noncontrolled Terms
Biological Abstracts and Biological Abstracts/RRM are primarily natural-language databases with controlled
vocabulary lists to support its use. When performing a search, it is recommended that you use both.
