ProQuest databases

In any ProQuest database, choose from the options above the search box to begin your search:

Basic Search

• When you first open any ProQuest database the Advanced Search screen is displayed as the default.  You can change to Basic Search using the menu (three horizontal lines) at the top left of the screen.
• The Basic Search screen allows you to conduct a quick search using limiters, expanders and Boolean operators like AND and OR (see the explanation boxes on this page).

Advanced Search

• This is the default search when you open up any ProQuest database via UCL's database list.
• To create a more complex search, you can use this Advanced Search screen. This screen offers additional tools, such as the option to search using a thesaurus. 
• See our advanced search page for more details on using the advanced search. 

On the Basic Search screens you will also find the following options above the search boxes:

• Publications - enables you to go to a homepage for a specific publication.
• Browse - enables you to browse topics and featured content.
• Change Databases - enables you to select the specific ProQuest databases you wish to search.

To find these options on the Advanced Search page, click on the menu.

The search operators AND and OR are used in searching to combine search terms together.

AND retrieves articles which contain all of your concepts. For example, if you are interested in the use of cognitive behaviour therapy for gambling disorders, you would search for cognitive behaviour therapy AND gambling.

OR retrieves records which contain any of your concepts. For example, you might search for cognitive behaviour therapy OR CBT to retrieve all articles on the topic.

Selected ProQuest databases provide suggested search terms which appear under the search box once you have carried out a search. These are generated using ProQuest's AI Research Assistant.