Improving Your Search Results
Make sure that your results align with your research question and provide meaningful insights. This is not the same as critical appraisal, which involves a more in-depth evaluation of specific aspects of a study, such as its methods or conclusions.
When assessing a single record or article, certain sections can help determine its relevance, such as:
- The title
- The abstract or summary
- The subject headings or keywords listed under the result
If you are not entirely satisfied with your results, you may need to modify your search strategy or refine your research question. Here are some ways to improve your search strategy:
- Modify your keywords: Ensure your keywords accurately represent the concept you are researching. Try using additional/less synonyms or spelling variations.
- Adjust or remove filters and limits: If you have too few or too many results, consider modifying your filters, such as the publication date range, document type, or language.
- Re-evaluate your chosen subject headings:
- Check the scope notes of your subject headings to make sure it accurately represents your topic.
- Explore subject heading trees to identify broader or more specific terms.
- Review the subject headings used in relevant articles and incorporate them into your search.
- Refine your research question: Ensure the scope of your research question isn't too broad nor too narrow, adjusting it if necessary to better align with available research.
- Visit this FAQ page for details on refining your search.
