What can I do if my database search gives me too many articles?
When I search the databases to find articles on my topic, there are too many search results. How can I apply limits to the search so that there is a more manageable number of articles for me to review?
What are some ways to narrow the search results?
Answer
Databases provide ways to limit or filter search results, which are the sets of articles resulting from the search terms used. The more limits that are applied, the fewer the search results will be.
Ways to narrow searches include:
Limit to English-language articles only
Limit to articles published in the most recent five years (or customized date ranges)
Limit to a type of article, such as reviews only
Limit to evidence-based practice articles
Limit the patient population to certain age groups
Use more specific search terms, such as "ischemic stroke" instead of "stroke"
Add more search terms to get fewer search results
For additional assistance with searching, please contact a Banner librarian, or complete a search request form or an instruction request form using the links provided.
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