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Literature search: Home

Overall guide for literature search

Steps of literature search

This guide is structured according to the steps of a literature search. These steps are not independent of each other and will continue to occur as you search:

  1. Orientation and topic: increase your basic knowledge of the main topic and concepts.
  2. Publication types and databases: determine the type of publications you are looking for and databases you will use.
  3. Search terms: formulate the search terms.
  4. Search techniques: apply the techniques to combine your search terms.
  5. Search strategies: apply the strategies for effective searching.
  6. Recording search process: record the process to resume and adapt it easily.
  7. Evaluation and selection: determine which publications are relevant.
  8. Referencing: cite the used publications.