What is a Search Strategy?
A search strategy is a systematic plan for finding relevant literature in academic databases. It involves selecting keywords, synonyms, and operators to ensure comprehensive and focused search results.
Steps to Build an Effective Search Strategy
- Define your research question clearly.
- Identify key concepts and related terms.
- Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine terms logically.
- Apply filters such as publication date, document type, or language.
Tips for Better Searches
- Use quotation marks for exact phrases (e.g., “climate change”).
- Use truncation (*) to include word variations (e.g., educat* for education, educating).
- Document your search process for reproducibility.
Benefits of a Strong Search Strategy
- Ensures comprehensive literature coverage.
- Saves time and reduces irrelevant results.
- Improves research transparency and rigor.