Stretching PICO: implications for database searching and perceived searching confidence
Stretching PICO: implications for database searching and perceived searching confidence
Author
Shamchuk, Lisa
Nelson, Jody
Faculty Advisor
Date
2019
Keywords
information literacy , reference services , database searching , library technicians , library education
Abstract (summary)
The purpose of this small, interdisciplinary, teaching and learning study is to examine
database search strategy development in a class of first year undergraduate library
technician students, comparing the effectiveness of structuring a search employing
PICO, a clinical question formulation tool used in evidence based medicine, to using the
generic keyword concept map commonly taught in information literacy contexts. This
study also investigates these students’ preferences, and the impact on their perceived
searching confidence when using the two approaches. Structured worksheets were
used to guide students through the application of the two methods, and student results
were captured via an online survey. Analysis revealed comparable recall scores for
database search results between the methods, higher precision scores for PICO, and
comparable self-rated searcher confidence.
Publication Information
DOI
Notes
Item Type
Report
Language
English
Rights
All Rights Reserved