Common questions 

How do I use truncation in PubMed?

Joe Ford

How do I use truncation in PubMed?

PubMed allows truncation of a given term by using an asterisk (*). 1 Its purpose is to retrieve the first 600 words containing the part of the word preceding the asterisk, and it is a recommended practice when building the queries to be used in systematic reviews.

What does PubMed mean?

PubMed is a free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health maintain the database as part of the Entrez system of information retrieval.

How do I do an advanced search on PubMed?

There are three steps to building an effective search strategy using the PubMed Advanced Search Builder:

  1. search one concept at a time, specifying fields, e.g. Title/Abstract, or subject headings, e.g. MeSH Major Topic, from the menu.
  2. add each completed concept to History using the Add to History link, one after another.

How do you do a Boolean search on PubMed?

Boolean Searching on PubMed You may run a Boolean search from any search box, but the roomiest screen is available in Boolean Search. To reach the Boolean Search box: click on Advanced Search, and then Click on Boolean Search.

Is everything on PubMed peer reviewed?

Most of the journals in Medline/PubMed are peer-reviewed. Generally speaking, if you find a journal citation in Medline/PubMed you should be just fine.

How do you do an advanced literature search?

Advanced Literature Search Guide for Nursing and Health Sciences: STEP 5: Apply search techniques

  1. Home.
  2. STEP 1: Background search.
  3. STEP 2: Formulate your question.
  4. STEP 3: Develop search terms.
  5. STEP 4: Choose your databases.
  6. STEP 5: Apply search techniques.
  7. STEP 6: Refine results.
  8. STEP 7: Select your articles.

How do you perform a literature search?

Literature Search: Process Flow

  1. Develop a research question in a specific subject area.
  2. Make a list of relevant databases and texts you will search.
  3. Make a list of relevant keywords and phrases.
  4. Start searching and make notes from each database to keep track of your search.

How do you do a literature search in psychology?

How to conduct a literature search – top tips

  1. Develop a clear research question. Be clear on your topic.
  2. Mindmap your research topic. Consider your topic and draw out the key themes.
  3. Develop keywords.
  4. Consider other subject areas.
  5. Consider appropriate databases.
  6. Start broad.
  7. Use search operators.
  8. Use limiters.

What is the purpose of a literature search?

Literature search is done to identify appropriate methodology, design of the study; population sampled and sampling methods, methods of measuring concepts and techniques of analysis. It also helps in determining extraneous variables affecting the outcome and identifying faults or lacunae that could be avoided.

How do you conduct a search strategy?

What is a search strategy?

  1. define and write down your research question – what is it that you are going to research?
  2. identify, and keep a record of key words, terms and phrases.
  3. identify keyword synonyms, use database Thesauri or Subject Headings;
  4. determine a timeframe from your research, if needed.

What are the strategies for online searching?

In this article, we explore seven steps that you can take to pinpoint specific information online.

  • Vary Your Search Engine.
  • Use Specific Keywords.
  • Simplify Your Search Terms.
  • Use Quotation Marks.
  • Remove Unhelpful Words.
  • Refine Your Search Using Operators.
  • Avoid Search Pitfalls.