Research Databases and Search Strategies

Introduction to Research Databases

  • Importance of accessing relevant literature through databases.

  • Brief list of resources: articles, books, posters, DVDs, databases.

Exploring Databases

  • Scrolling down to find databases in research tools.

  • Notable databases mentioned:

    • EBSCOhost

    • Education

    • Psyche and Behavior

    • PubMed

    • Scopus

  • Note: Ignore larger directories like the Directory of Open Access Journals due to their multidisciplinarity and size.

Search Strategies

  • When searching, be aware of the number of results returned:

    • Larger databases can yield excessive irrelevant results (e.g., 14,000 to 15,000).

    • More focused searches should lead to manageable results (e.g., 200 on children and lisps).

  • Example searching on ADHD returns a high number (70,000 results) quickly revealing unhelpful searches.

Refining Search Terms

  • Use smaller, focused searches and various combinations of terms to improve results:

    • Consider synonyms and alternative phrases.

    • Example: splitting the terms for better searches, or using frameworks like PICO or PCC (Patient, Intervention, Comparison).

  • Importance of keeping track of unhelpful terms in searches (e.g., dropping zero results when adding terms).

Boolean Operators in Database Searches

  • Boolean operators effectively refine database searches:

    • AND (must include both terms; narrows search)

    • OR (must include at least one term; broadens search)

    • NOT (excludes results; narrows search)

  • Examples of applications:

    • Searching for "children AND ADHD OR attention deficit hyperactivity disorder".

    • Use of NOT to filter out unwanted results (e.g., NOT canine when looking for human studies).

Truncation and Phrase Searching

  • Truncation with asterisk () allows for variations of words (e.g., child, which retrieves child, children, children's).

  • Phrase searching by using double quotation marks for exact phrases (e.g., "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder").

  • Acknowledgment that search techniques may vary between databases; check the help guides provided by individual databases.

Understanding Controlled Vocabulary

  • Controlled Vocabulary: A standardized set of terms used in databases to maintain consistency.

    • Example: Medline's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) used to classify articles in PubMed.

    • Definition and classification of subjects helps in accuracy and specificity (e.g., defining child and age groups).

    • Importance of keeping terminology standards throughout research (e.g., differentiating between 'child', 'adolescent', and their respective age ranges).

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Developing Effective Search Strategies

  • Determine specific terms before searching; use multiple terms to enhance searches.

  • Review of literature search outputs, documenting every search step:

    • Documenting Search Results: Note details of searches (dates, keywords, databases used).

    • Ensure systematic searching to achieve reproducible results across different databases.

Prisma Charts and Reporting Results

  • Importance of PRISMA charts in reporting systematic reviews:

    • Document the progress of searches, result numbers, and exclusions systematically.

    • Example: Starting with a large number of articles and narrowing down to relevant results.

  • Different models of PRISMA charts exist; adapt to personal needs.

  • Emphasis on keeping accurate count of articles through different stages (incl. screening, eligibility, inclusion).

Making Appointments with Librarians

  • Invitation to make appointments with librarians for additional help.

  • Suggestions on how to prepare for meetings:

    • Develop preliminary searches before appointments.

    • Come with specific questions or topics.

  • Brief overview of updated library appointment systems and options available.

Using AI in Research

  • AI can assist with generating keywords and ideas:

    • Require declaration if AI is used in research (e.g., prompt acknowledgments).

    • Importance of maintaining records of AI interactions and their contributions to searches.

Miscellaneous Tips

  • Recommendations for managing research assignments:

    • Start searching early to avoid last-minute stress.

    • Keep track of different templates/tools for search documentation.

    • Be familiar with various resources and tools offered by the library.