Truncation is a search method used in databases to broaden the scope of a search. It involves adding a symbol, such as an asterisk, to the root of a word so that the computer will find that root plus anything that comes after it. 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. As an expert in search engine optimization (SEO), I understand the importance of using truncation symbols to improve search strings.
The asterisk (*) is the most commonly used symbol for truncation, but there are several other wild symbols that can be used in various databases, such as EBSCOhost and ProQuest. Truncation is a powerful tool for finding related words and phrases. For example, if you are searching for information on dogs, you can use truncation to find related words such as dog, doggy, dogged, and dogging. This will help you find more relevant results than if you had just searched for the word “dog” alone.
Truncation is also useful when searching for words with multiple spellings or variations. For example, if you are searching for information on color, you can use truncation to find related words such as colour, colors, and colours. This will help you find more relevant results than if you had just searched for one spelling of the word. Truncation is a useful tool for finding related words and phrases, but it is important to remember that it can also lead to irrelevant results.
To avoid this, it is important to use truncation judiciously and only when necessary.
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