Here we discuss some common problems encountered when querying the database. For example, you may receive an answer with too many hits (too general query), or no hits at all (too restrictive query):

• In the first case the system displays only the first 100 records: try going back to your query and making it more specific;
• If the query is too restrictive, try relaxing some conditions.

• Use indexes attached to the particular fields. Every term is provided with a number of "postings" in the database;
• Check how the box "Exact match of words" is set up: if on the query may become restrictive, if off, it may become too general;
• Check which Boolean connectors are used within and between the fields.
• If you are not sure about the answer, use the button EDIT QUERY to see how the system builds the query. You can edit the query in the text area before submitting it (see Example 4).

Hints for a too general query:

• Use more specific terms: you can find these in the AGROVOC thesaurus (see Examples 5 and 6);
• Use more than one term in a given field and connect them by AND;
• Use "advanced search" and specify more attributes connected by AND and/or NOT;
• Good restrictive attributes are Year, Language, specific descriptors;

Hints for a too specific query:

• Use more general terms. When referring to AGROVOC, add the related and broader terms to your query and connect them with OR. You can find these while navigating the AGROVOC thesaurus (see Examples 5 and 6);
• Use more than one term in a given field and connect them by OR;
• Use "advanced search" and specify more attributes connected by OR;