In conducting a literature review, which strategy assists in identifying specific manuscripts/articles on a given topic?

The Boolean strategy is particularly effective in conducting a literature review because it employs logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine search results in databases and search engines. This method allows researchers to combine keywords and phrases in a way that enhances the focus and precision of their searches. For example, using "AND" narrows search results by requiring all terms to be present, while "OR" broadens the search to include any of the terms specified. This targeted approach helps researchers pinpoint specific articles or manuscripts directly relevant to their topic of interest, making the process of gathering literature more efficient and effective.

Using Boolean logic ensures that the literature review is comprehensive, yet precisely tailored to the needs of the research question. By refining search parameters, researchers can sift through vast amounts of information and quickly locate pertinent studies, theories, and data that align with their objectives. This strategy is instrumental in academic settings where precision in sourcing information is paramount.