Databases

A systematic search goes beyond a strong search query and requires considered use of database features to ensure a transparent and reproducible search. Line-by-line searching, or combining queries, is an efficient way to build a complex query that is readable and easy to troubleshoot.

An example line-by-line search

Let's look at an example search from the PsychInfo database on the Ovid platform. There are a number of databases available through the Ovid interface, including Medline and PsychArticles. Ovid is designed for line-by-line searching, but the principles can be applied to other databases that allow you to combine queries.

Topic: What is the effect of meditation on sleep disturbances in adolescents? 

1. Determine the main concepts in the query (sleep disturbances, meditation & adolescents)  
2. Search for each concept separately using the search skills covered in this guide (i.e. compiling keywords & subject headings, truncation, etc.) so it has its own line in the search history 
3. Combine all 3 lines using the AND operator to search for all the concepts together

 This is a cursory search and would not be sufficient, but it gives an indication of how line-by-line searching gives an indication of how your concepts relate to one another in the literature. This approach is useful because it will help see if there are terms in your search that are causing issues (such as no results, or too many!) - and fixing them will be easier than a long Boolean string of all terms in together. 

  Click the thumbnail to see a screenshot of this search in the Ovid platform.

See the Ovid Tools website for videos from the vendor that demonstrate how to conduct a good search (tip: search for the PsychInfo video) in the Ovid platform. Please contact your librarian if you have any questions about this search technique.    

Strong database searching skills are fundamental to conducting a systematic search. Many databases have features that support systematic searching, such as line-by-line searching, search histories and reproducible searches. 

Systematic reviews need to be carefully planned and conducted with specific considerations in mind. Please see our Research Guide for more information about systematic reviews and reach out for library support if you are conducting a systematic review.