Occupational Therapy: Search strategy
What is a search strategy?
A search strategy describes how you have approached searching a database to find literature on your topic and will often mention the following:
- keywords (main topic words)
- synonyms (alternative words)
- phrase searching
- truncation
- Boolean operators (AND/OR)
- Subject headings*
Your lecturers will often want to either see a search strategy or a written explanation on how you have searched a database and the number of results you got.
* Please note: subject headings are not necessary for all subjects or topics. If you are unsure about whether or not to include these, please speak with your lecturer.
Keyword search strategy example
The below is a guide to illustrate one way a search strategy may be presented within an assignment. You should always check with your lecturer and consult your assignment brief for specific guidance on this.
This example is particularly useful for level 4 and level 5 students.
Keyword and subject heading search strategy example
The below is a guide to illustrate one way a search strategy may be presented within an assignment. You should always check with your lecturer and consult your assignment brief for specific guidance on this.
This example is particularly useful for level 6 and level 7 students.
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