Research is not always a linear process and figuring out the best keywords often involves starting out with a few words then adapting, shifting, and exploring. Sometimes one specific word will be enough. Other times, you'll need several different words to describe a concept AND you'll need to connect that concept to a second (and/or third) concept.
Boolean operators (AND, NOT, OR) connect words and concepts.
Other search tricks:
Search terms are extracted from your research question (such as the terms that may up your PICO) and can be entered into whichever database(s) you decide to use. Databases give you the option of using keywords or subject headings.
Each database has its own set of subject headings, designed specifically for the literature from the field(s) of study the database contains. Knowing the difference between keywords and subject headings, as well as the advantages and disadvantages for both of them, can help you perform better searches.
Keyword searching is how you typically search web search engines. Think of important words or phrases and type them in to get results.
Subject headings describe the content of each item in a database. Use these headings to find relevant items on the same topic.
Keyword or Subject Heading Search?
Some basic guidelines are:
Use the filters in each database to narrow your search down and eliminate irrelevant results. These helps to maximize your search process by making it more efficient.
Limiting to a specific year range and peer reviewed articles are the most commonly used filters.
Other helpful filters include by full text availability, study type, population group as well as more specific filters such as "Randomized Control Trials' and "Evidence Based Practice." Filters vary according to database. Typically, you can find filters either on the Advanced Search page, underneath the search boxes or on the left-hand side of search results. These two databases go over in greater detail how to use certain filters in individual databases: Evidence-Based Practice and Quantitative and Qualitative Research.
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