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Sukanya Naidu, Toh Kim Kee, Wong Suei Nee, Annelissa Chin, Lim Siu Chen, and Stephanie Ng

This course goes beyond the traditional focus of Systematic Review searching to answer clinical questions. It introduces searching methods that can be applied to a wide range of disciplines including social science, environmental science, policy studies, sciences, health sciences and more.

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This course goes beyond the traditional focus of Systematic Review searching to answer clinical questions. It introduces searching methods that can be applied to a wide range of disciplines including social science, environmental science, policy studies, sciences, health sciences and more.

NUS comprehensively introduces researchers doing systematic reviews to the search methods for searching systematically from start to finish, including concept modelling, synthesizing a search strategy, to managing search results.

What you'll learn

The focus of this course is on the literature search process. It addresses the commonly faced challenges by offering practical tips and tricks to improve the overall quality and reporting of literature searches.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

  • Develop a focused research question
  • Select appropriate resources to search for relevant work
  • Construct comprehensive search strategies
  • Document the search process & manage the results

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Develop a focused research question
  • Select appropriate resources to search for relevant work
  • Construct comprehensive search strategies
  • Document the search process & manage the results

Syllabus

Week 1: Getting Started
Understand the importance of searching in systematic reviews. Know the steps in the systematic review process and the different types of reviews.
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Week 2: Develop a focused research question (what to search)
Introduce the structure of a systematic review paper. Assess the feasibility, and scope of the research topic with preliminary searches. Develop a focused research question using question development frameworks such as PICO.
Week 3: Select appropriate resources to search (where to search)
Understand the evidence types available such as subscribed databases, grey literature, hand searches and other unpublished works.
Select information sources relevant to your topic / discipline. Develop a basic search strategy.
Week 4: Construct comprehensive search strategies (how to search)
Formulate comprehensive systematic review searches with step-by-step demonstration videos covering different databases.
Learn practical tips in conducting and replicating systematic review searches.
Week 5: Document the search process & managing the results
Understand where EndNote fits into the systematic review process.
Use EndNote to manage and document the search results from various information sources.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches search methods that can be used by a wide range of disciplines
Core audience includes researchers doing systematic reviews, social scientists, environmental scientists, policy researchers, scientists, and health scientists
Helps researchers understand and apply search methods throughout the systematic review process
Introduces practical tips and tricks to improve the search process
Step-by-step demonstration videos make search strategies easy to understand
Course includes exercises to help students practice search strategies
Covers advanced search techniques such as concept modeling and synthesizing a

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Art and Science of Searching in Systematic Reviews with these activities:
Review how to develop a research question
Refine your search by ensuring your research question is highly focused from the outset
Show steps
  • Review the lecture on developing a focused research question
  • Complete the quiz on developing a research question
  • Apply PICO to refining a research question
Review Systematic Review Methods
Review video tutorials on systematic review methods to refresh your knowledge. This will help you develop a strong foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Systematic Review
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials on systematic review methods.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Review your notes and summarize the main points.
Compile lecture notes and readings into a single document
Organizing your materials will help you identify areas where the concepts overlap and are reinforced
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes
  • Review the textbook
  • Organize notes and readings in outline format
  • Refine organization of materials
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Join a Book Club
Join a book club that focuses on systematic reviews and research methods. Engage with other learners, discuss your findings, and get feedback on your work.
Show steps
  • Search for book clubs on social media, library websites, or online forums.
  • Reach out to the book club organizer and express your interest in joining.
  • Attend the book club meetings and actively participate in the discussions.
Participate in a peer review session
Gain valuable feedback and different perspectives on your search strategies and results
Show steps
  • Identify a peer with similar research interests
  • Exchange search strategies and results
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other
Perform search strategy exercises
Gain proficiency and speed in conducting efficient and effective systematic review searches
Show steps
  • Review the lecture on constructing comprehensive search strategies
  • Complete the practice exercises on constructing search strategies
  • Apply search strategies to real-world examples
Conduct Mock Systematic Reviews
Conduct mock systematic reviews using the principles you learned in your edX course. This hands-on practice will help you develop your skills and refine your search strategies.
Browse courses on Systematic Review
Show steps
  • Identify a research question and objective.
  • Develop a search strategy and identify relevant databases.
  • Conduct the literature search and screen the results.
  • Extract the relevant data and synthesize the findings.
  • Write up your mock systematic review report.
Write a summary of the literature search process
Organize your grasp of the search process by summarizing the key steps involved
Show steps
  • Review the lecture on the literature search process
  • Identify the key steps in the literature search process
  • Write a summary of the key steps
  • Proofread and refine your summary
Gather resources on advanced search techniques
Expand your knowledge of search techniques by reviewing trusted external sources
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources on advanced search techniques
  • Gather resources from these sources
  • Organize and annotate the resources
  • Share your compilation with other learners
Volunteer at a research library
Gain practical experience in conducting literature searches and accessing research materials
Show steps
  • Identify a research library that aligns with your research interests
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Complete the necessary training and background checks
  • Assist library staff with literature searches and other research-related tasks
Identify a mentor in the field of systematic reviews
Connect with an expert who can provide guidance and support throughout your systematic review journey
Show steps
  • Attend conferences and workshops related to systematic reviews
  • Reach out to researchers in the field
  • Join online communities and discussion forums
  • Identify a potential mentor who aligns with your research interests and career goals

Career center

Learners who complete The Art and Science of Searching in Systematic Reviews will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Scientist
Information Scientists are responsible for designing and managing information systems. This course may be useful for Information Scientists because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Information Scientists to be able to design and manage information systems that are effective and efficient.
Research Librarian
A Research Librarian is responsible for helping researchers find the information they need to complete their projects. This course may be useful for Research Librarians because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Research Librarians to be able to help researchers find the information they need.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to solve problems. This course may be useful for Data Scientists because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Data Scientists to be able to collect, clean, and analyze data effectively and efficiently.
Knowledge Manager
Knowledge Managers are responsible for creating and managing knowledge bases. This course may be useful for Knowledge Managers because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Knowledge Managers to be able to create and manage knowledge bases that are effective and efficient.
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for managing and interpreting museum collections. This course may be useful for Museum Curators because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Museum Curators to be able to manage and interpret museum collections effectively and efficiently.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for preserving and maintaining historical records. This course may be useful for Archivists because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Archivists to be able to preserve and maintain historical records effectively and efficiently.
Academic Librarian
Academic Librarians are responsible for providing research support to students and faculty at academic institutions. This course may be useful for Academic Librarians because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Academic Librarians to be able to provide research support effectively and efficiently.
School Librarian
School Librarians are responsible for providing research support to students and faculty at schools. This course may be useful for School Librarians because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for School Librarians to be able to provide research support effectively and efficiently.
Public Librarian
Public Librarians are responsible for providing research support to the public. This course may be useful for Public Librarians because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Public Librarians to be able to provide research support effectively and efficiently.
Medical Librarian
Medical Librarians are responsible for providing research support to healthcare professionals. This course may be useful for Medical Librarians because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Medical Librarians to be able to provide research support effectively and efficiently.
Law Librarian
Law Librarians are responsible for providing research support to lawyers and judges. This course may be useful for Law Librarians because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Law Librarians to be able to provide research support effectively and efficiently.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Environmental Scientists to be able to study the environment and its interactions with human activities effectively and efficiently.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Policy Analysts to be able to develop and evaluate public policies effectively and efficiently.
Social Scientist
Social Scientists study human behavior and society. This course may be useful for Social Scientists because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Social Scientists to be able to study human behavior and society effectively and efficiently.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. This course may be useful for Science Writers because it teaches how to develop focused research questions, select appropriate resources, construct comprehensive search strategies, and document the search process. These skills are essential for Science Writers to be able to communicate scientific information to the public effectively and accurately.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Art and Science of Searching in Systematic Reviews.
Provides a practical guide to literature searching. It covers all aspects of the search process, from planning and execution to evaluation and reporting.
User's guide to EndNote, a reference management software program. It valuable resource for anyone who uses EndNote to manage their references.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in the social sciences. It valuable resource for anyone who is conducting or planning to conduct research in the social sciences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in criminal justice and criminology. It valuable resource for anyone who is conducting or planning to conduct research in criminal justice or criminology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in management. It valuable resource for anyone who is conducting or planning to conduct research in management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in political science. It valuable resource for anyone who is conducting or planning to conduct research in political science.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in sociology. It valuable resource for anyone who is conducting or planning to conduct research in sociology.

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