Step 1: Select a database
After you have created a search strategy, you will then conduct your systematic search in a subject-specific database. The database you choose will depend on the topic you are researching.
Hint: If you need more guidance on which databases to choose, start with the list of databases your librarian has curated on your
course-specific Library Guide. Sometimes your supervisor will tell you which databases to select.
Step 2: Enter your keywords into the database
- Locate the advanced search option in your database of choice.
- Choose your first concept
- Type in the keywords for that first concept that you brainstormed in your Search Strategy
- Use OR to combine synonyms or related concepts
- Some databases allow for truncation and wildcards, others don't. (If you're not sure, read the database's own guidance or help pages).
- Run your search. You will see the results displayed.
- Choose your second concept and start a fresh search, repeating the steps above.
An advanced search will often let you add extra lines to your search to include multiple concepts
- Locate the Search History function in the database - you should see each of your searches documented there on separate lines
- Now you will combine your searches
- Combine the searches with OR if they are related concepts
- Combine the searches with AND if they are additional concepts
- Use limiters or filters as appropriate to your search strategy. Common limiters might be including or excluding by:
- Article type: peer reviewed, type of study, review articles
- Date range: including only newer articles
This video demonstrates these steps in action using the CINAHL database. Even though this video demonstrates a health-oriented topic, the EBSCO interface you see is used for databases in education, social sciences, psychology, business and the arts: