Searching for literature can seem like a trial and error process. A consistent, structured search can save your time. As you progresses and refine the search, the history of search can help you improve the relevancy of your search results.
At times, searching for articles can be easy and quick while at other times, it is not as easy! Both processes require some basic skills which are explained in this guide with examples.
A 10 step literature search process for successful literature search
Watson, Mandy. (2020). How to undertake a literature search: a step-by-step guide. British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 29(7), 431–435. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.7.431
Example Scenario
1. Research Question: “What impact does social media have on the image of nursing?”
2. Key Concepts:
What impact does social media have on the image of nursing?
3. Alternate Keywords
4. Select the database
5. Use Boolean Operator for combining your terms
6. Use Quotation marks and asterisk to limit and/or expand
7. Example Search Statement
("image of nursing" OR "professional image" OR "nursing profession" ) AND ( "social media" OR "social networking" OR Facebook OR Instagram OR Snapchat OR Twitter)
8. Start the search
Copy the search statement into a relevant database. In this case CINHAL.
9. Apply filters as necessary
10. Retrieve and evaluate the search results. Revise your search if necessary.
A realistic search process is iterative; as you can see below you will go through the steps until you get the best results.