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Turku University Library

Basics of Information Seeking

Too Few or Too Many Results?

Too few results? Too many results?
  •  Use broader search words.
  • Use more specific search words or phrases with multiple words. Try to exclude commonly used generic words and think about the context where they usually occur (for example method* is commonly mentioned in abstracts).
  • Check your use of truncation and wildcards. Are the words' different endings and spellings searched for?
  • Check your use of truncation. For example, if you add truncation too early, the root of the word may be too short and may produce irrelevant results.
  • Instead of searching in the subject field, target the search into all search fields.
  • Instead of searching all search fields, focus the search into the subject field if possible (check subject terms from the database’s subject term list).
  • Add related terms or synonyms using the OR operator.
  • Remove related terms or synonyms (OR operators).
  • Remove search terms combined with AND or NOT operators.
  • Use AND or NOT operators.
  • Remove unnecessary search filters.
  • Filter your search: by language, publication year, publication type, country, collection.
  • Are you using the right database?
  • Try another, more specific/suitable database.

The amount of results you can expect to get is connected to how widely your topic has been researched. If your topic is very new or less researched, it's possible that your search will produce only a few relevant results. In that case it's important to make sure your search includes all possible search words that describe your topic.  

Source Evaluation

Consider:

  • Is the source authentic, original and unbiased?
  • Is it a primary or a secondary source?
  • What type of publication is it, is it scientific?
  • What is the reputation and credibility of the author/producer/publisher?
  • What is the interest behind publishing this information?
  • What is the scientific standing and impact factor of the journal?
  • Is there a reference list and are the sources marked so that you can find them?
  • How old is the source, is it up to date?

Image source: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), How to Spot Fake News - COVID-19 Edition.