Basic search is most useful when you are starting your research and want to get a general understanding of a topic and identify key concepts and useful search terms.  EBSCOhost databases open on the Advanced Search page by default. 

To go to the Basic Search page instead, click on the Basic Search link above the Advanced Search box.

To create a basic search:

1. Enter one or more keywords into the search box

As you start typing, some matching search suggestions will show up under the box. Just click it on an option to select it.

Search Tips:

Use quotation marks (" ") to search for a phrase or words together in an exact order e.g. "electronic health records".

Connect your keywords using AND, OR and NOT.

• AND finds results containing both keywords e.g. "electronic health records" AND privacy.     
• OR finds results containing either one or both keywords e.g. ("electronic health records" OR EHR).  Wrap OR'd keywords in brackets.
• NOT excludes a keyword from your search results e.g. "electronic health records" NOT privacy.  Warning: using NOT may result in your search not returning  some results that are relevant.

2. If you want, you can choose limiters for your search.

• Full Text
• Peer Reviewed
• Timeframe (click on the down arrow to the right of the All time filter to see other options)

3. Click on the magnifying glass icon to run your search.

The search may take a minute to run. When it's finished, your search results will be listed.