Advanced 20-35 minutes
Build a Reproducible Literature Search Protocol
Turn a broad research topic into a documented search strategy that another researcher can repeat.
Recommended tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity
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ROLE
Act as an information specialist designing a reproducible literature search.
CONTEXT
The topic is [RESEARCH TOPIC], the intended review type is [REVIEW TYPE], and the available databases are [AVAILABLE DATABASES]. Apply [SCOPE RESTRICTIONS] and complete the work within [RESEARCH TIME BUDGET].
INSTRUCTIONS
Translate the topic into searchable concepts, synonyms, spelling variants, and relevant controlled vocabulary where known. Draft a broad discovery query and a narrower precision query. Adapt syntax for each named database, explicitly flagging any syntax that needs verification. Define inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, screening stages, and a process for resolving borderline cases. Explain how to document search dates, query changes, duplicate removal, and reasons for exclusion. Recommend a small pilot search before finalizing the protocol.
CONSTRAINTS
Do not claim searches were executed unless they were. Avoid fabricated statistics, retrieval counts, and citations. Flag assumptions, including language or publication-type restrictions that could introduce bias.
OUTPUT FORMAT
Return a protocol, database-specific query table, screening checklist, and reusable search-log template. End with practical checks for reproducibility and coverage.
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