What is Truncation Search Strategy?

Truncation search strategy is a highly effective technique employed in information retrieval to broaden search results by including various word endings and spellings of a root word. It allows researchers to efficiently capture a wider range of relevant documents using a single, simplified query.

Understanding Truncation

At its core, truncation involves entering the fundamental part of a word, known as the root or stem, and attaching a special symbol, most commonly an asterisk (*), at its end. When a search database processes this query, it retrieves all terms that begin with that specified root, encompassing different grammatical forms and related words.

For instance, if you search for govern*, the database will yield results containing terms such as:

govern
government
governance
governing
governor

This method significantly reduces the need to input multiple search terms manually, making your research process more thorough and less time-consuming.

Key Benefits of Truncation

Incorporating truncation into your search strategy offers several distinct advantages:

Comprehensive Coverage: Ensures you find all relevant documents by accounting for singular and plural forms, different verb tenses, and various word derivations from the same root.
Enhanced Efficiency: Saves considerable time by allowing a single search query to cover numerous word variations that would otherwise require multiple individual searches.
Increased Flexibility: Particularly useful when you are unsure of the exact spelling of a word or wish to include all possible morphological forms of a term.
Reduced Oversight: Minimizes the risk of missing critical articles or information due to minor differences in terminology or word structure.

How to Apply Truncation in Your Searches

To effectively utilize truncation, follow these straightforward steps:

Identify the Word Root: Determine the shortest possible form of the word that still conveys its core meaning. For example, for terms like "manage," "manager," "management," and "managing," the common root is manag.
Select the Truncation Symbol: While the asterisk (*) is the most widely accepted symbol across the majority of databases and search engines, some systems might use alternatives such as ?, #, !, or %. It is always advisable to consult the "help" or "search tips" section of the specific database you are using to confirm its accepted truncation symbol(s) and their particular functionalities.
Combine Root and Symbol: Append the chosen truncation symbol immediately after the identified root word.
- Example: To find various studies on different aspects of communication, you might search communicat* to retrieve terms like communicate, communication, communicating, communicative, and communicator.

Practical Examples of Truncation

The following table demonstrates how truncation can be effectively applied to common search terms:

Root Word + Symbol	Potential Search Results	Purpose
`creat*`	create, creation, creative, creativity, creator	Captures the verb, noun, adjective, and agent forms.
`analys*`	analyze, analysis, analyses, analytical	Includes different forms of the verb and noun.
`market*`	market, marketing, marketed, marketer	Finds various aspects of commerce and promotion.
`diagnos*`	diagnose, diagnosis, diagnostic, diagnosed	Encompasses medical assessment and related terms.

Important Considerations for Truncation

While truncation is a powerful tool for broadening your search, it's crucial to use it thoughtfully to avoid retrieving an overwhelming number of irrelevant results:

Avoid Over-Truncation: Truncating a word too early (e.g., using comp*) can lead to an excess of irrelevant results such as computer, company, compare, complication, which may not align with your intended topic. Aim for a root that is specific enough to maintain relevance.
Database-Specific Rules: Always refer to the help documentation of the specific database or search engine you are using. Truncation symbols and their functionalities can vary significantly. For example, some databases might require a minimum number of characters for the root before truncation can be applied effectively. Many academic databases offer detailed guides through university library search tips.
Combine with Boolean Operators: For more refined and precise searches, integrate truncation with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). For instance, (child* OR pediatri*) AND health* would find research on child or pediatric health.
Truncation vs. Wildcard Search: While often used interchangeably, some systems differentiate between truncation (finding any ending after the root) and wildcard searching (finding variations within a word, often using ? for a single character or * for multiple characters, e.g., colo?r for color or colour). Truncation primarily refers to symbols placed at the end of a word root.

By strategically incorporating truncation into your search repertoire, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness and coverage of your information retrieval efforts, leading to more comprehensive and relevant research outcomes.