Wildcards

Definition

Wildcards are special characters used in search queries to represent one or more unknown characters or groups of characters. They enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of searches by allowing users to find variations of a word or phrase, thus broadening search results while maintaining relevance. This capability is particularly useful when dealing with incomplete information or when searching for terms that may have multiple forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wildcards can take various forms, with the asterisk (*) commonly representing any number of characters, while the question mark (?) represents a single character.
2. Using wildcards effectively can significantly increase the chances of finding relevant documents by accommodating variations in spelling, pluralization, or word formation.
3. Some databases and search engines may have specific rules regarding wildcard usage, such as limitations on their placement within search terms.
4. Wildcards are especially beneficial in legal research where terminology may vary across jurisdictions or where specific phrases may not be consistently used.
5. Combining wildcards with Boolean operators can create powerful and precise search strategies, allowing for complex queries that yield more accurate results.

Review Questions

• How do wildcards enhance search capabilities compared to standard keyword searches?
  • Wildcards enhance search capabilities by allowing users to include variations of words in their queries, which is not possible with standard keyword searches that require exact matches. For example, using an asterisk (*) can return results for 'lawyer,' 'lawyers,' and 'lawyering,' all at once. This flexibility enables broader searches that can capture a wider array of relevant documents, making it easier to find pertinent information even with incomplete knowledge of terminology.
• Discuss how wildcards can be combined with Boolean operators to improve search results in legal research.
  • Combining wildcards with Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT can significantly refine search results in legal research. For instance, a query such as 'contract* AND breach?' could return results related to 'contract,' 'contracts,' 'breach,' or 'breaches.' This combination allows researchers to efficiently narrow down their results while still capturing all relevant forms of the terms involved, leading to more comprehensive findings.
• Evaluate the potential challenges or limitations associated with using wildcards in search queries.
  • While wildcards are useful tools for expanding search capabilities, there are challenges and limitations that users must consider. Some databases might have restrictions on wildcard usage, such as not allowing them at the beginning of a word or limiting their frequency. Additionally, overusing wildcards may lead to an overwhelming number of results, including irrelevant ones, making it harder for users to sift through data. Therefore, understanding the specific rules of the database and balancing wildcard use with other strategies is essential for effective searching.

Related terms

Boolean Operators: Words like AND, OR, and NOT used to combine or exclude keywords in search queries to refine and focus the results.

Truncation:

A search technique that allows users to retrieve different word endings by using a symbol, often an asterisk (*), at the end of a root word.

Search String: A specific sequence of characters, including keywords and operators, that defines what a search engine will look for.