info@biosis.org · www.biosis.org
SEARCHING
Search Strategy Development
Pose the Question
Formulate a simple statement summarizing the
information you're looking for.
Example
Find research concerning the population
dynamics of woolly monkeys.
Identify the Main Subjects
Select the key terms you will need to search.
Example
Population dynamics
woolly monkeys
Determine How to Search the
Main Subjects
Use the Thesaurus (controlled ZR Plus Terms)
or Zoological Record Search Guide
TM
to identify
appropriate controlled terms for your search; decide
whether to use the single-term or exploded search
option. Search noncontrolled terms plus known
synonyms and variants, using appropriate truncation.
Do preliminary searches on vernacular animal names
to identify scientific names.
Examples
explode population dynamics
Lagothrix cana
Carry Out the Search
Combine your search statements using appropriate operators
to specify the required relationships.
Example
Lagothrix cana AND (population
dynamics or cycles of abundance or
emigration... or survival)
(Note: all narrower terms included in the
exploded search are displayed in the
search strategy and in search history)
Review Results and
Modify/Refine If Necessary
If your results contain irrelevancies, consider
using a narrower controlled term or more specific
noncontrolled terms. For additional retrieval,
consider using a broader thesaurus term or
additional synonyms and spelling variants.
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