An assessment of the quality of the search strategy: a case of bibliometric studies published in business and economics

Umar Farooq (), Adeel Nasir and Kanwal Iqbal Khan
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Umar Farooq: National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences
Adeel Nasir: Lahore College for Women University
Kanwal Iqbal Khan: University of Engineering and Technology, New Campus

Scientometrics, 2023, vol. 128, issue 8, No 28, 4855-4874

Abstract: Abstract This research aims to evaluate the quality of the literature search strategy of recently published bibliometric studies in the field of Business and Economics. The search strategy is evaluated from two perspectives, i.e., reporting quality and the ability of search query to find relevant literature. Results showed that selected bibliometric studies did not report their search strategies effectively. Particularly, keyword selection, complete search query and search space are not reported adequately. Results also revealed that the search query quality was not good in most cases, especially in selecting the appropriate synonyms, applying the Boolean operators, and applying the appropriate search space. Further, this research recommended a “crisscross” strategy to extract the relevant literature. It is suggested that future studies can increase the search query quality by adopting the suggested framework.

Keywords: Search query quality; Reporting search query; Bibliometrics; Searching literature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-023-04765-8

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