Brainstorming:
some students like brainstorming using the “bubble” technique. This is where you write the main concept or idea in the
centre and the ideas relating to this main idea around it.
What do you really need?: think about the main ideas and what the assignment question is asking you to do.
Key words & concepts?: you are more likely to find information you need on a topic if you think about the keywords or search terms to use before beginning the search.
Specific or general?: for example, should you use Prozac or anti-depressants?
Learn to combine: combine search terms with AND for words that represent different concepts (e.g. nursing AND emergency AND angina), and use OR for words with similar meanings (e.g. emergency OR triage OR casualty).
Database options: familiarise yourself with the different databases. Many allow you to limit to full text, or peer reviewed journals. Some have a "find related articles" option. The subject headings are another way to find similar articles. These topics were covered in the individual database sections.
Now see how you go with the activity below.
Activity: What could be a search strategy for this question:
Discuss in essay format the nursing care of a person who presents to the emergency department with angina.
1. Write down the main concepts
Compare your answers
2.Think about any other similar words that describe what you have written
Compare your answers
Try it! nothing beats practice. If you can’t find what you want try some different words or a different database. Most databases have their own help and tutorials, try them out. You can always AskUs for advice.
Tip: get into the habit of writing down your search terms as you go. This helps keep track of what you are doing and saves repetition.
When you have completed all of the activities please go to the next section on evaluation.