Guides and databases: Web of Science: Searching for a topic

Searching for a topic

The default search method is All Fields, but we recommend selecting Topic for more accurate results and a more efficient search. A search by Topic will search in the title, abstract and keyword fields of Web of Science records.

Enter your search term(s) in the search box(es) and ensure Topic is selected in the drop-down menu. A link to search tips can be found to the right of the search button. To add search lines click on +Add row.

Combine search terms using search operators And and Or. These may be typed in the search boxes or selected from the drop-down menus.
When you have entered all your search terms, click on the Search button.

Search operators explained

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.