eHRAF User Guide: Search 

The "eHRAF User Guide: Search" is an overview of the various sections in "Text Search" of the eHRAF Collection of Ethnography. eHRAF is a vast collection of ethnographic text, indexed by cultures and subjects. For search questions, feedback, suggestions for the interface feel free to contact Human Relations Area Files (HRAF) at Yale University, email: hraf@yale.edu or 1-203-764-9401 or 1-800-520-HRAF. We would like to hear from you and would be happy to assist you in your eHRAF search. 

In the eHRAF Collection of Ethnography (http://ets.umdl.umich.edu/e/ehrafe) database click on Search (tab on top of the screen) to find Text Search. The numbers (#1- #5) on this "Text Search" screen shot are explained below:

  For a printable Adobe .pdf version of this user guide click here.

#1 Boolean Operators (and, or, not)

The Boolean operators occur in the OCM Subject Codes section and in the Exact Word or Phrase section. Using the appropriate Boolean operator greatly enhances your search results!

• And  (both terms must be present in the same paragraph)     >> narrows a search
• Or    (either term must be present in a paragraph)                 >> expands a search
• Not  (excludes the second term in a paragraph)                    >> restricts a search

#2 OCM Subject Codes

The OCMs are what makes eHRAF so unique! The OCM (short for Outline of Cultural Materials) codes serve both as an index and search system to help you find specific paragraphs on over 700 subjects. Think of OCMs as "summarizing" the contents of a paragraph. OCMs are powerful search tools because you do not have to anticipate the precise words that ethnographers use the body of the texts. Examples of OCMs are: 262 (Diet), 411 (Weapons), 533 (Music), 788 (Ritual). The 3- or 4-digit code is like an identification number, used to describe a topic. With over 700 OCM codes to choose from, chances are that you will find a topic of interest.

How to find the OCMs in eHRAF

Browse Mode

1. Click on the Browse tab on the top part of the screen.
2. Click on Browse Subjects in the left-hand margin.
3. Either choose an OCM from the Browse Subjects: A-Z Index (listed as default option), or click on Browse Subject Categories (left-hand margin) to view all the OCMs. (Important! Use this option to view the OCM in hierarchical order)
4. Click on the hyperlinked 3 or 4-digit code to view the description of the OCM. Once in the description you can click on [eHRAF Ethnography Documents with this OCM] to link paragraphs in the texts. You can also click on Search to return to Text Search screen. In the OCM subject code section type in the OCM(s) you've selected.

Search Mode

1. Click on the Search tab on the top part of the screen.
2. In the OCM subject codes section click on add.
3. Either choose an OCM from the A-Z index (listed as default option), or click on OCM Hierarchy (tab on the top screen) and then click through the OCM code ranges!
4. Click on note to view a description of the OCM code and click on add to transfer the OCM to the box. You can also type the OCM into the box.

Note: A paper version of the entire OCM manual (OCM hierarchy, OCM descriptions, and A-Z index) is available. Contact HRAF (203-764-9401, hraf@yale.edu) to order a copy.

#3 Exact word or phrase

The "Exact word or phrase" section works as the name indicates, finding only the exact words you enter. Put only one word or exact phrase in each box. Select either Paragraphs or Titles from the pull-down list (listed in the lower part of the screen).

If Paragraphs is selected from the pull-down list then the word(s) are searched in the paragraphs or lowest level of ethnographic texts. The "Word-in-Paragraphs" search is appropriate when you use very specific or unique words and concepts (see Word Suggestions below). Use only one word or phrase per box.

If Titles is selected from the pull-down list (in the lower part of the screen), the word(s) are searched in the subtitles and chapter titles of the ethnographic texts. The "Word-in-Titles" compares to a keyword or an OCM search as you search for "general" topics (see Word Suggestions below). Use only one word or phrase per box.

Word suggestions for "Titles" or "Paragraphs" searches: 

Using OCMs and words together

Depending on the word choice, your "words in-paragraphs" search might retrieve an enormous number of matches. Narrow your search combination consisting of OCM(s) and word(s). After all, this is a powerful aspect of searching the eHRAF databases.

OCM and Word suggestions for "Paragraphs" searches:

Think of the 3-and 4-digit OCM as "filtering" the word in the paragraphs of the ethnographic texts. Click on "Search Examples for eHRAF" for more.

#4 Culture/OWC (Outline of World Cultures)

Before launching your search, HRAF highly recommends that you first become familiar with the cultures and regions that are included in eHRAF (See eHRAF User Guide: Browse Cultures for more information). Click on Browse (tab on top of the screen) and then on Browse Cultures by Region (in the left-hand margin) to view the contents of the culture file. eHRAF is a growing database and more cultures are added in the spring of every year.

Although you can choose any number of cultures (from the pull-down list) before you execute your search, HRAF recommends that you choose the default All Cultures (see picture to the left) and then make your culture selection in the interim results page. eHRAF automatically searches all the major regions (e.g., Africa, Asia, Europe) and specific cultures in eHRAF (e.g., Akan, Amhara) for the search you executed. Because of this automatic search function, HRAF does not recommend that you type in a culture or geographic region name in the "Exact word or phrase" search boxes. See example below:

#5 Quick Search

Use this simple search only if you are looking for one very specific word or phrase (e.g., cross-cousin marriage, irrigation, etc.) in the body of the ethnographic texts. HRAF recommends that you use the various Text Search sections rather than Quick Search.

General Search Tips:

Truncate a word or OCM with an "*" (asterisk) to increase your search results as you retrieve word variations (plurals, gerunds, tenses). For example, cosmo* finds cosmological, cosmologies, cosmology, etc. For example, 75* finds all categories on sickness ranging from preventive medicine to medical personnel.

Understand the function of the Boolean operators, especially the difference between "and" and "or" in context of a search.

Keep in mind when searching in eHRAF subjects or topics are culture-specific. For example, you may find the document "Ethnobotany of the Hopi" by Alfred E. Whiting, but you wouldn't find a document on a number of cultures or regions, e.g. on "Ethnobotany of the Native North Americans."

The ethnographic nature of the documents makes eHRAF a valuable tool for searching for contemporary as well as traditional and past cultural practices. So, please pay attention to the fieldwork and publication dates that are listed on tops of the pages, and keep in mind that cultures may have changed considerably over time.

Successful searching takes time and practice. The different search methods all have advantages and disadvantages.

Keep in mind that the more words or OCMs you use in your search, the more complex your search becomes. So, if you feel that your search is not "fruitful," try decreasing the number of words, or OCMs. Keep your search combinations as simple as possible!

Failed searches might sometimes be the result of: 1) a typo in the word, 2) using a word or phrase not likely to be in ethnographic texts 3) using region or culture names in the word boxes, 4) using too many words and/or OCMs 5) incorrectly using the Boolean operators, 6) incorrectly using the pull-down list "Paragraphs" or "Titles."

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