Question 11

Correct answer is c) child development and face recognition

Developing a Search Statement

Let’s analyze each of the possible choices.

a. infants and mothers and facial expressions

This search statement does not represent the topic accurately. The topic is not restricted to mothers or to facial expressions. The concept of development is missing from this statement.

Hint: Before searching, write the topic out and be sure to include terms for all concepts and only those concepts.

b. perception of patterns by children

One problem with this search statement is that it is expressed as a phrase, which won’t work in all databases or catalogs. This search statement is also too general. The term perception is not the same as recognition. The term patterns is much broader than the term face. The concept of development is missing from this statement.

Hint: Don’t broaden or narrow the concepts in the search, at least not at first. Search for exactly what you are looking for. Include all essential concepts in the search statement.

c. child development and face recognition

This search statement expresses all of the key concepts in the topic, and only those concepts. It is a good search to start with.

Hint: Start with a search statement that precisely expresses your subject and then modify as needed.

d. infant development and emotional bonding

This search statement is not on topic at all. Emotional bonding may be related to facial recognition (or it may not). They are not the same thing.

More Hints on Searching

• Start by imagining the title of the ideal article or book on your topic. Identify the key concepts in that imaginary title. Next, think of possible synonyms for the terms.

• When searching the Web, your search can be quite detailed, including several specific terms, names and phrases.

• When searching catalogs or databases, you should limit your search to 2 or 3 keywords. You can always add another keyword if you get too many hits. If you get too few, eliminate one of your search terms.

• Start with a keyword search and then look at one record in detail. Identify descriptors and identifiers (subject terms) used for your topic, then redo the search using one or more of the descriptor and identifier terms.

• Use advanced search techniques such as limiting by field (see question 12) or the PsycINFO thesaurus (see 3)