• Identify appropriate databases for your topic (e.g., Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost etc.) Visit our A-Z of Online Resources page to see a full list of MTU Library databases.
• Consider searching additional sources like reference lists, grey literature, or reports.
• Further information on searching for source material can be found here.
• Construct a comprehensive search strategy with keywords, synonyms, and Boolean operators (AND, OR or NOT).
• Use controlled vocabulary (e.g., MeSH terms in PubMed) where possible.
• Document your search strings, databases, dates of search, and any filters applied (e.g., language, year).
• Further information on defining your search strategy and using Boolean operators & MeSH terms can be found here.

Below you will find an example of a search strategy that can be used for the topic online learning and the effects on university students’ mental health:

("online learning" OR "online education" OR "e-learning" OR "distance learning" OR "virtual learning")

AND

("university students" OR "college students" OR "higher education students" OR "undergraduates")

AND

("mental health" OR "psychological well-being" OR stress OR anxiety OR depression)

*Please remember to:

1. Adapt syntax to database requirements.
2. Keep the search broad to capture as many relevant articles as possible.

Tip: – “Searches often uncover information that reviewers were previously unaware of, such as keywords or search terms. It is often necessary to refine the review question, the eligibility criteria, and the search strategy in light of this new information. In this way, the search stage becomes an iterative process that can be adjusted as necessary to achieve the objectives of the review. Clear and rigorous reporting of these iterations and the reasons for them is very important to ensure transparency” (Covidence.org).