Developing a search strategy
EXAMPLE RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the impact of regular exercise on reducing symptoms of depression in adults?
| STEP | Why? | How? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Identify key concepts | Key concepts from your research question are the most effective search terms to quickly locate relevant sources. | Use the PICO framework: | • Patient/Problem: Adults with depression • Intervention: Regular exercise • Comparison: No exercise or another intervention • Outcome: Reduction in depressive symptoms |
| Step 2: Identify alternative search terms | To find everything relevant to your topic in a database. | Brainstorm alternatives (like synonyms, related terms, or alternative spellings) for your key concepts. | • Adults: middle-aged • Exercise: physical activity • Depression: depressive symptoms, mood disorders |
| Step 3: Combine your search terms | To get more focused results, use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine key concepts. | AND: Combines key concepts together to find articles that contain both concepts. OR: Combines alternative search terms for the same concept to find articles that contain either term. NOT: Excludes irrelevant terms. Other Tools: |
Search term: (adults OR middle-aged) AND (Exercise OR “physical activity”) AND (depression OR “depressive symptoms” OR “mood disorders”) |
| Step 4: Consider using limiters (available in a library database) | In order to focus on articles that are appropriate for your assignment. | Apply Filters: Choose limiters in a library database that are relevant to your research needs. | • Restrict results by date (e.g., last 5 years). • Specify article type (e.g., randomized controlled trial). |
| Step 5: Adjust your strategy | If you don’t find relevant articles, change your search strategy. | Too few articles? Try… • Brainstorming more/better alternative search terms. • Deleting the least relevant term from your search (if you have multiple terms). • Using the wildcard*. • Expanding your topic. Remove the P component in the search term: Too many articles? Try… |
Narrow the scope: (adults OR middle-aged) AND (Exercise OR “physical activity”) AND (depression OR “depressive symptoms” OR “mood disorders”) AND Asia |
Mastering Evidence-Based Practice: Search Strategies and Critical Appraisal
Mastering Evidence-Based Practice: Search Strategies and Critical Appraisal
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