Search evaluation

When you have conducted the search in one or more databases it is time to evaluate your search results.

 

If you have too many hits, consider the following:

• Is it possible to add more specific search terms?
• Can you add more subject groups to your search profile?
• Are the search terms combined correctly?
• Can you narrow the publication time frame?
• Can you limit the type of material you are looking for?

If you have too few hits, consider the following:

• Are there other databases you could search?
• Are the search terms truncated?
• Have you combined the search terms correctly?
• Are there any other, possibly more relevant search terms?
• Are there synonyms or other related terms?
• Are there any spelling mistakes?
• Are you aware of the difference betweenn American and British-english?
• Can you broaden the publication time frame?