Searching databases can be a time-consuming task, especially when you need to search for multiple variations of a word. To make the process easier, many databases use a truncation symbol to help you quickly find all forms of a word. Truncation is a search technique in which the ending of a word is replaced by a symbol, allowing you to simultaneously search for different forms of a word and increase the number of search results found. Different databases use different truncation symbols, so it is important to check the information in the database “Help” or “Search Tips” for details on which symbol to use.
For example, EBSCOhost and ProQuest both have their own truncation symbols that you can use to improve your search string. Truncation is very useful when you know that one of your search terms has multiple endings, but all variations represent basically the same idea. Using truncation will help you complete your search faster, as you won't have to manually type and search every variation of the word. In conclusion, truncation symbols are an essential tool for quickly searching databases and finding all forms of a word.
Different databases use different symbols, so it is important to check the information in the database “Help” or “Search Tips” for details on which symbol to use.
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