Graduate-level searching goes beyond typing a few keywords. Here are some strategies and tips to make your searches more powerful, precise, and comprehensive.
• AND = narrows by requiring both terms (e.g., dysphagia AND stroke).
• OR = broadens by including synonyms (e.g., dysphagia OR swallowing disorder).
• NOT = excludes terms (use sparingly).
• Use parentheses to group terms: (dysphagia OR swallowing disorder) AND stroke.
• Use * to capture word variations: therap* = therapy, therapies, therapeutic.
• Use ? or # for single-character wildcards (varies by database).
• Databases let you choose where to look for your terms.
• Title/Abstract fields = more precise results (concept must be central).
• Example: dysphagia [title/abstract] AND stroke [title/abstract].
• Databases tag articles with standardized subject headings (MeSH in PubMed, CINAHL Headings in CINAHL).
• This pulls together synonyms (e.g., myocardial infarction + heart attack).
• Explode = include narrower terms under the heading.
• Major Concept/Focus = retrieve only when it’s a main subject.
• Use proximity operators in certain databases (e.g., N3 in CINAHL).
• Example: swallow* N3 assess* finds swallowing within 3 words of assessment.
Filters & Limits
• Basic: peer-reviewed, date range, article type.
• Advanced: limit by study design (systematic review, RCT, qualitative study).
• Use multiple filters strategically to narrow results.
• Each search is saved as a numbered set (e.g., #1 dysphagia, #2 stroke).
• You can combine sets: #1 AND #2 = articles with both dysphagia and stroke.
• Build searches step by step instead of typing one giant string.
• Backward chaining: check references in an article.
• Forward chaining: use 'Cited by' features to find newer articles that referenced it.
• This follows the scholarly conversation and finds related research quickly.