A search strategy is an organised structure of key terms used to search a database. Databases will not understand your search if it is entered as a full/complete sentence or question, so you need to break your research question down into main concepts and keywords.
Searching is an iterative process, so it is not likely that your first try will be your best. Many times it takes editing and revising search strategies to find the results that will be most relevant to your research question. Follow these steps to develop a search strategy from the basics of your research question.
Step 1: Formulate a Research Question
Step 2: Identify Key Concepts
Step 3: Select Academic Databases
Step 4: Develop Search Terms
Step 5: Combine Boolean Logic Operators
Step 6: Perform the Search
Step 7: Review Search Results
Step 8: Refine the Search Strategy
