Do the results match your topic?
Are the results too specific or too general?
Have you come across a new synonym for one of your keywords that is going to get a better set of results? Look at any useful articles you have found. They may provide some words (subject headings/keywords) you should add to your search
Evaluate your results and see if you need to adjust your current search strategy!
Tip: Keep a record of where and what you search for so that you know where to target for the best results.
1. If the results are too specific, then broaden your search using OR and another synonym. (Look in the thesaurus for broader term).
Eg Hand washing OR hand disinfection. (Hand washing is part of the broader term Infection Conrol)
2. If the results are too general then check the thesaurus and dictionary for a more specific term. Eg. Surgical scrubbing is a more specfic term for handwashing
3. If there are too many results, use more limits, add another keywords, or use narrower terms (from the thesaurus and dictionary)
4. Use new keywords found in your search results in a new search to target better results.
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