Which of the following PsycINFO search strategies should be employed by researchers to ensure a comprehensive literature review?

• A. Limit the search to only one keyword to avoid irrelevant results
• B. Use a combination of keywords and subject headings to capture relevant articles
• C. Exclude the use of Boolean operators to simplify the search process
• D. Search only for articles published in the last year

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a comprehensive literature review requires capturing as many relevant articles as possible while minimizing irrelevant results.
2. Recognize that using only one keyword is too narrow and may miss important studies, so it is not the best strategy.
3. Learn that combining keywords with subject headings (controlled vocabulary) helps to include articles that use different terminology but cover the same concepts.
4. Know that Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) are essential tools to refine and expand searches effectively, so excluding them would limit search precision.
5. Consider that limiting the search to only the last year may exclude foundational or important older studies, so it is better to include a broader publication range.