Although Scopus indexes publications in several languages, most of the scientific literature is available in English. It is therefore advisable to carry out searches using English terms in order to obtain more comprehensive and accurate results.
In Scopus, you can perform a simple search by using keywords or by defining a specific search field. By default, the search is carried out in the ‘Paper title, Abstract, Keywords’ field, however, you can specify particular fields, such as author, title, journal name, or keywords, in order to make the search more focussed and effective.
Here's an example of searching in the ‘All Fields’ field
Searches in all fields enables you to easily find the search terms in any field, covering author, title, abstract, and keywords, among others.
Example: How to search for ‘economic growth and inflation’:
1st - Enter the first term in the search: in the search bar, type the first term: ‘economic growth’.
2nd - Adjust the proposition: use the appropriate proposition to combine the terms, such as ‘AND’, ‘OR’ or ‘NOT’, depending on the nature of your search, by clicking on
. Then add the second term: ‘inflation’
3rd - Search: click on the ‘Search’ button to find the relevant publications.
Use Boolean operators to combine or exclude search terms and to structure more complex queries. In addition, results can be further refined by the use of truncation to search for the root of a word, or by using inverted commas to search for exact phrases can.
Here are some examples:
Booleans
Inverted commas
Truncations
Advanced search is a Scopus tool that enables you to carry out more complex and specific searches within the database. Instead of just using a keyword, advanced search enables you to use Boolean operators (such as AND, OR, and NOT) as well as to create a Query (or search key) that structures the search strategically, integrating synonyms, specific terms, and filters, all of which optimise the search results, making the research process more efficient and targeted.
This makes it possible to find relevant papers and publications more effectively, enabling researchers to delimit their searches based on subject areas, authors, year of publication, and other specific criteria.
Below is a step-by-step example of how to carry out an advanced search and create a Query related to the area of Management.
1st - Select advanced search: click on ‘Advanced Search’.
2nd - Define the main topic: decide on the focus of your search. In this case, the topic chosen is ‘innovation management’.
3rd - Select keywords: choose keywords related to the main topic, including synonyms, in order to ensure a more comprehensive search.
Example keywords:
- Innovation: ‘innovation’, ‘innovative management’, ‘technological innovation’.
- Project management: ‘management’, ‘management practices’, ‘strategic management’.
- Companies: ‘business’, ‘corporate management’, ‘companies’.
4th - Create the Query: combine the keywords with the Boolean operators and other field codes in order to refine your search and build the Query (you can type in the field codes directly, or click on the +).
Note: If you hover your mouse over any of the field codes, a brief explanation of their function will appear.
With over a thousand results, you may want to limit your search even further. This can be done by using the menu on the left to access a variety of limitation and exclusion options.
5th - Apply filters: With more than a thousand results, you may want to limit your search even further. You can use the menu on the left to access a variety of filters for limitation and exclusion.
Example filter:
- Year: In the filter panel on the left, under ‘Year’, select the desired date range (e.g. 2018-2023).
- Document type: Under ‘Document type’, select the type of document you want.
6th - Review and adjust the Query: check the results obtained and adjust the Query. If necessary, modify and create a Query by clicking on the ‘Edit in advanced search’ option and click on ‘Search’ again to update the results.