How to Transform a Research Question into a Search Strategy:
N u r s i n g
Think about and write down your research question or problem (revision over time is fine and expected):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now break down your research question or problem into separate and distinct main concepts
(number of concepts will vary):
1.________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________________________
Next, consult the CINAHL subject headings list that is searchable through the CINAHL online database. Once you are in the CINAHL database, select “CINAHL headings.” You can then enter your concept words into the “Browse for” box. For each concept you enter, you will be directed to the correct CINAHL subject heading, its definition (“scope”), synonyms and related concepts. This process helps you to understand how your topic is referred to in the nursing literature, and will help ensure that your search is both precise and thorough.
For each concept, identify the corresponding CINAHL heading (referred to as “controlled vocabulary”):
CONCEPT #1:_____________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #2: ____________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #3: ____________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #4: ____________________________________________________________________________
Next, reflect on your research question and concepts and write down any related keywords or keyphrases (“uncontrolled vocabulary”) that come to mind. Also include any terminology that you have located in the nursing literature:
CONCEPT #1: ____________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #2: ____________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #3: ____________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #4: ____________________________________________________________________________
Using the CINAHL Headings list, identify narrower or more specific words or phrases. These may be used to refine your search and limit search results.
CONCEPT #1: __________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #2: __________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #3: __________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #4: __________________________________________________________________________
In the same way, identify broader or more general words or phrases. These may be used to broaden your search and expand search results.
CONCEPT #1: ___________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #2: ___________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #3: ___________________________________________________________________________
CONCEPT #4: ___________________________________________________________________________
Using the CINAHL headings, keywords and keyphrases listed above, construct a Boolean search strategy using the connectors AND, OR, NOT. Boolean search logic will work effectively in any database. Main concepts are connected using AND, and related concepts are connected by OR. Related concepts connected by OR should be grouped together using parentheses. The NOT connector can be used carefully to weed out unwanted concepts from your search results. After evaluating your items retrieved, modify your strategy as necessary. Searching is a trial and error process!
CONCEPT #1:
(_ _______ _OR__ ___ ____ OR ____ )
AND
CONCEPT #2:
(_ _______ _OR__ ___ ____ OR ____ )
AND
CONCEPT #3:
(_ _______ _OR__ ___ ____ OR ____ )
AND
CONCEPT #4
(_ _______ _OR__ ___ ____ OR ____ )
