PsycINFO is a large database that is best searched using the following strategies:

Searching the Database: For precise results it is important to use the online thesaurus search to determine the database specific 'controlled vocabulary' used by the indexers, and use 'field code' search methods. Avoid using keyword-searching techniques. A keyword search will return citations to articles that contain the specific search word in the title, author, subject, or abstract fields. This method can return a large number of citations, many of which will be irrelevant to your search.

Using Field Codes: To the right of each search box is a field code box. The pull-down menu in this box lists all the searchable fields used to index information in this database. Target your search by searching in a specific field. Use the online thesaurus to select terms to search in the Subject field. Many of these fields also appear in the "Special Limiters for PsycINFO" box.

Using Controlled Vocabulary: Controlled vocabulary is a standardized list of terms used to catalog information. Use the online thesaurus to determine terms used in PsycINFO. Controlled vocabularies include broader and narrower terms that refer to the exact search term used. An entry in a controlled vocabulary list, such as the online thesaurus, would look like this:

Aphasia (1967)
Scope Note (Provides a definition and/or information on proper use of term): Partial or complete impairment of language comprehension, formulation, or use due to brain damage.
Used for... Agrammatism, Word Deafness
Narrower Terms: Acalculia, Agnosia, Agraphia, Dysphasia
Broader Terms: Brain Disorders, Language Disorders
Related Terms: Learning Disabilities, Perceptual Disturbances

Boolean Search methodology: A powerful search technique using one concept per field and linking them with specific Boolean operators. Using this search method will make the searching process easier and retrieve a larger number of successful search results. The three Boolean operators used in EBSCOhost are AND, OR, and NOT. These terms can be entered in a search box, or you can use the pull down menus to the left of each search box to add the terms.

Boolean Operator	"Tells" the Search Engine that the returned results...	Venn Diagram
AND	...must contain the words/phrases. [Example: "antisocial behavior" AND adolescent]
OR	...can contain the words/phrases. [Example: "antisocial behavior" OR "antisocial personality"]
NOT	...must not contain the words/phrases. [Example: "Antisocial Behavior" NOT Adult]

Limiting Your Results: Currently PsycINFO does not contain the full-text of articles. However, some articles indexed in PsycINFO are available in other full-text EBSCOhost databases. Articles that have this symbol may be available in full text: Check linked full-text sources. You can also limit your search by journal title or by date.

Expanding your search: Using the thesaurus to determine the most accurate search term provides the most efficient searching. Checking the box next to "also search for related words" at the bottom of the search screen adds related terms (if any) from the online thesaurus to your search.

Special Limiters: Applying one or more of these limiters creates a precise and focused search. Limiters can be used singly or in conjunction. The more limiters you apply, the more narrowed and focused your search. One of the results of an extremely precise search is exactly the information you are looking for; another result can be a search too narrow to return any "hits." If you do not retrieve the results you are looking for after applying these limits, you may want remove some limits or otherwise broaden your search.

• Publisher: Enter publisher's name.

• Population Group: Use pull-down menu to choose: Human, Animal, Male, Female, Inpatient, and Outpatient.

• Age Groups: Use pull-down menu to choose. Gives twelve population age range choices from birth to 85+ years.

• Form/Content Type: Use pull-down menu to choose. Lists 51 choices of different types of publications. This describes the content of the publication, for example: case study, clinical trial, and conference proceedings. Different from Document type because it describes the information within a publication. For example, a case study (Form/Content Type) could be published as a journal article (Document type) or as a chapter in a book (Document type) To search more than one publication type, use the Publication Type Search button on the top right.

• Special Feature: Use pull-down menu to choose. Describes a particular feature of a publication, for example: audiocassette, videocassette, peer-reviewed.

• Document Type: Use pull-down menu to choose. Gives 7 choices including book, journal article, and dissertation abstract.

• Language: Default is all languages. Use pull-down menu to limit to work in a specific language.

• Intended Audience: Use pull-down menu. Three choices: General Public, Juvenile (includes teens), and Psychology Professional. Default is all.

• Year of publication: use to specify/limit results to a specific time period.

You can combine multiple limiters with or without a search term.

PsycARTICLES: is a substantially smaller database than PsycINFO, and requires different searching strategies.

Searching the Database

All journals included in this database are also indexed in PsycINFO, and can be searched using that database. Results located in PsycArticles will have the Linked Full-Text icon. If you are searching PsycARTICLES independently of PsycINFO use broad search terms. PsycARTICLES offers fewer search fields, so it is important not to make your search too narrow, and limit your results. To focus your search you can use Boolean searching, and nested searching in PsycARTICLES. (Boolean: self-esteem or body image and eating disorders vs. nested Boolean: (self-esteem or body image) and eating disorders.) The full-text of articles in PsycARTICLES is also searchable.