When do I use Advanced Search?
Advanced search has more options and control than Basic Search. It is recommended for:
a complex search
a search with alternative terms
a search with Subject Headings
For most searches, such as for literature reviews and systematic reviews, Advanced search is recommended.
In a controlled, line-by-line search each term is on a separate line so we can see results and make amendments if needed.
Watch this video (3 minutes) for line-by-line searching in Ovid, and how to troubleshoot unexpected results.
Use Advanced search, this is the default for University of Melbourne Ovid.
Make sure spelling is accurate. What you type is exactly what is searched for.
Ovid searches 2 words or more as a phrase, meaning they have to appear directly after each other in the order they are typed.
Many other databases require quote marks, for example:
Ovid databases
Other databases
.mp = multipurpose
How to do it
Results
It's easier to view your search history without the fields being listed each line.
This is especially useful when you need to copy the search history table, such has for a systematic review
Truncation searches for variations of word endings.
Example truncaton
Use the asterix * directly after the root of the word.
Useful for
Makes your search easier to read by saving space.
Think carefully about possible words you are searching for, this is a common cause of irrelevant results.
pandemic* = pandemic, pandemics
pandem* = pandemic, pandemics, pandemonium
pande* = pandemic, pandemics, pandemonium, pander, pandering
If truncation is bringing back irrelevant results, you can search for all the variations directly.
A proximity search checks how closely search terms appear from each other.
Example proximity search
Use adj and number of words you would like in-between the 2 search terms.
adj1 - next to each other, in any order
adj2 - next to each other, in any order, up to one word between
adj3 - next to each other, in any order, up to two words between
frontline ADJ3 workers =
frontline workers, workers on the frontline, frontline healthcare workers
Useful for
Watch this video ( 1 minute) on proximity searching in Ovid
If proximity searching is back irrelevant results, you can