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The Art and Science of Searching in Systematic Reviews

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.

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

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:

Systematic Reviews EndNote Literature Searching PICO Research Question Development Search Strategy Development

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

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.

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Understand the evidence types available such as subscribed databases, grey literature, hand searches and other unpublished works.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

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Refine your search by ensuring your research question is highly focused from the outset

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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

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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

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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

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Organizing your materials will help you identify areas where the concepts overlap and are reinforced

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Review your lecture notes
Review the textbook
Organize notes and readings in outline format
Refine organization of materials

Eight other activities

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Join a Book Club

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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.

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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

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Gain valuable feedback and different perspectives on your search strategies and results

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Identify a peer with similar research interests
Exchange search strategies and results
Provide constructive feedback to each other

Perform search strategy exercises

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Gain proficiency and speed in conducting efficient and effective systematic review searches

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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

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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

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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

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Organize your grasp of the search process by summarizing the key steps involved

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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

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Expand your knowledge of search techniques by reviewing trusted external sources

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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

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Gain practical experience in conducting literature searches and accessing research materials

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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

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Connect with an expert who can provide guidance and support throughout your systematic review journey

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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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Law Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences

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Provides a practical guide to conducting systematic reviews in the social sciences. It covers all aspects of the systematic review process.

Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A...

Hardcover

$$$

By Mark Petticrew - Systematic Reviews in the...

Unknown Binding

$$$$

Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Doing a Literature Review

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Provides a practical guide to literature searching. It covers all aspects of the search process, from planning and execution to evaluation and reporting.

The Art and Science of Searching in Systematic Reviews

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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