ERIC on PALS


Author: Kathie Richardson


Database Description

ERIC is the primary index in the field of education. Its JIE (Journals in Education) section covers over 3,000 journals; and its RIE (Resources in Education) section covers numerous reports, papers an the database whenever possible. Type the following commands at the prompt in order to enter the appropriate part of the database:
    • SET FILE ERI - to access the complete ERIC file from 1993 - present
    • SET FILE JIE - to access the Journals in Education portion of the file from 1993 - present
    • SET FILE RIE - to access the Resources in Education part of the file from 1993 - present
    • SET FILE ERI ALL - to search the entire file, all years, 1966 - present
    • SET FILE ERI OLD - to search the years 1966 - 1991
    • SET FILE JIE ALL - to access the complete Journals in Education file, 1966 - present
    • SET FILE RIE ALL - to access the complete Resources in Education file, 1966 - present
Planning your search
  1. Before you begin, phrase your search question into a brief statement.
  2. Identify the main concepts of your search statement.
  3. List key words for each main concept, including synonyms, variant spellings, variant endings and related terms. Consult the ERIC thesaurus for a descriptor that accurately reflects each concept.
  4. Combine your key words by using the connector word OR; Combine key concepts with the connector word AND.
Remember: OR retrieves records having any of your search words or concepts. OR is more!

AND retrieves only those records which include all of your search words or concepts.
Printing search results

TO Type
Print Print on
Print record currently on scureen CR
Send results of a search to your e-mail address PRINT MAIL [your e-mail address]
Send a full-text article to your e-mail address PRINT MAIL TXT [your e-mail address]

Searching tips

  • Avoid using the TE search. Use ST (subject term) and TT (title term) when doing keyword searching.
  • Use the most precise vocabulary possible. Avoid using terms that are very common in the field of education.
  • Use age or grade level descriptors whenever possible. The ERIC thesaurus provides a list of those used in indexing ERIC materials.
  • Use the ERIC thesaurus to identify appropriate descriptors for your topic.