Search strategy is a part of your methodology for literature reviews
This excerpt shows one example of how a search strategy may be described:
Things to include:
- The databases that you searched
- The search terms used (Keywords and Subject Headings)
- Hand searches of specific journals (this means you manually check specific journals rather than searching using a database)
- The date range you searched for
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria: a specific methodology? date range? outcome of studies? etc.
As well as looking at examples in published reviews, and systematic reviews, Appendix 3 of this handbook provides more details and guidance:
