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This page explores how to create an effective search strategy, and brings together useful searching tools such as a search strategy template and searching guides for popular databases.
To find the evidence you need, it is key to make a research question searchable. Let's explore how to do this using this research question:
How can haptic feedback improve perception of motion in virtual reality?
With this research question in mind, here is how it can be made 'searchable' in a database:
Step 1: Isolate the main concepts of your research question
haptic feedback; virtual reality; motion perception
Step 2: Create a list of search terms for each concept
haptic feedback = haptic*, kinesthetic communication, vibration, mechanical stimulation, tactile electronic display, tactile imaging, surface haptics, force feedback
virtual reality = VR, stimulated 3D environment, Head Mounted Display, HMD, head tracking, eye tracking, simulator sickness
motion perception = presence, visual perception, proprioceptive, beta movement, Second-order motion perception, motion integration, motion in depth, Illusory motion, motion
Step 3: Use your search terms to create a single search statement
(haptic* OR kinesthetic communication OR Vibration OR Tactile electronic imaging OR Surface haptic*) AND (virtual reality OR VR OR Head Mounted Display OR eye tracking) AND (motion perception OR stimulated 3D environment OR motion OR motion in depth)
Tips: As each database is unique, it is important to consider if you need to tweak your search strategy for each database you search. Also, it is useful to consider using a combination of keywords (words appearing in the title and abstract of an article) and database subject headings.
The below search strategy template is a tool you can use to go through the steps of creating a solid search strategy. Use the template to:
The search strategy template also includes useful examples so be sure to check it out!