Searching databases in a consistent, structured manner will save you time. As your searching progresses and your searches are refined, your search history can be extremely useful.  It can also improve the relevancy of results obtained, as you reflect on your keywords and synonyms and how these influence your search results.

To develop a search strategy you will need to:

• define and write down your research question - what is it that you are going to research?
• identify, and keep a record of key words, terms and phrases
  • brainstorming your main discussion points to create concept/mind maps can help tease out themes and keywords
• identify keyword synonyms, use database Thesauri or Subject Headings;
• determine a timeframe from your research, if needed
• consider what type of material you will include and why
• identify where you will search for the information

Good search practice could involve keeping a search diary or document detailing your search activities, so that you can keep track of effective search terms, or to help others to reproduce your steps and get the same results. 

This record could be a document, table or spreadsheet. A search planner may help you to organise you thoughts prior to conducting your search. If you have any problems with organising your thoughts prior, during and after searching please contact your Library Faculty Team  for individual help.

Phelps, R., Fisher, K. & Ellis, A. (2007). Effective literature searching. In Organizing and managing your research (pp. 128-149). SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849209540.n7