Searching Effectively: Basic Principles and Practical Tips for Better Results

Abstract

This handout updates Doing a Good Search: Basic Rules and Search Tips, originally published in 2024. It outlines the basic principles of doing a good search, from identifying a topic and formulating a clear question to selecting and searching at least two databases. It also includes information on Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), subject headings, and Google Scholar. New to this iteration of the document are best practices for using artificial intelligence in literature and evidence searches. Remember: Searching is an iterative process, which involves repeated cycles of refinement. Your approach will shift depending on the specific question you\u27re trying to answer. Update of Doing a Good Search: Basic Rules and Search Tips (2024) The original version appeared in the following article: McGrath, J. M., Brown, R. E., & Samra, H. A. (2012). Before you search the literature: how to prepare and get the most out of citation databases. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 12(3), 162–170