The prompt
Score 10 of 10, Excellent
Use it when You need keyword and Boolean searches for Google Scholar, a library database or a news archive that find the right sources without thousands of misses.
- {{research_question}}
- {{purpose}}
- {{databases}}
- {{inclusion}}
- {{exclusion}}
- {{known_sources}}
Full prompt and why it works
Prompt
Research question: {{research_question}} What the search is for: {{purpose}} Where I will search: {{databases}} Include only (years, languages, countries, types of source): {{inclusion}} Leave out: {{exclusion}} Two or three sources I already know are relevant: {{known_sources}} Task: Write search strings I can paste into the databases above to find sources for my question. A good search is one that finds the known relevant sources above and keeps the results to a number I can screen, usually a few hundred at most. Format: 1. Concepts: split the question into 2 to 4 main concepts. For each, list synonyms, related terms, US and UK spellings, and acronyms, in a small table. 2. Search strings: one per database, in a code block, using that database's own syntax for AND, OR, phrase quotes, truncation and field limits such as title or abstract. Where a database works differently, say so; Google Scholar, for instance, ignores some operators and limits how long a search can be. 3. Filters to set in each database's menus, matching my include and leave-out lists. 4. How to test it: check that the known sources come up, and if not, which term to add. If results run to thousands, which concept to tighten first; if only a handful, which to loosen. 5. A search log line for each database (database, date, string, filters, number of results) for me to fill in, since reviews often have to report how the search was done. Requirements: - Use only syntax you are confident each database supports. If you are unsure about a feature in a named database, say so and give a simpler version that works everywhere. - Do not suggest specific papers, authors or journals from memory, because the search itself should find the sources. - Under 400 words, plus the search strings. Example of one string's form only, on an invented question: ("remote work" OR telework* OR "work from home") AND (onboarding OR "new hire*") AND (retention OR turnover) If my question is too broad to search well, say so and suggest how to narrow it before searching.
Variables
- {{research_question}}
- Your question, as specifically as you can put it.
- {{purpose}}
- For example "a literature review chapter" or "background for a policy briefing".
- {{databases}}
- For example "Google Scholar, PubMed and our library's EBSCO search".
- {{inclusion}}
- For example "2015 onward, English, peer-reviewed studies and government reports".
- {{exclusion}}
- For example "opinion pieces, studies of children". Write "none" if nothing.
- {{known_sources}}
- Titles or short notes on two or three sources you know belong in the results.
Why it works
- An example. The sources you already know act as a test: if the search does not find them, you are told which term to add.
- Format. A concept table of synonyms and variants, then one string per database in its own syntax, makes the search repeatable and easy to adjust.
- If unsure. Where it is unsure a database supports a feature, it says so and gives a simpler string that works everywhere, instead of syntax that silently fails.