Searching with limits can be a powerful method of eliminating less useful results. Each database has a specific set of options to narrow the search set. Common limits are date of article publication, language, age/gender of patient population, type of article (clinical trial) and human.
Ovid for MEDLINE
Ovid lists common limits within the initial searching page. “Edit Limits” allow users to customize their common limits. Use "Additional Limits" to see a complete list of available limits.
Basic Limits
Additional Limits
MEDLINE—PubMed
PubMed lists all available limits on a separate page. Use the tab “Limits” at the top of the page.
CINAHL—EBSCO
Similar to Ovid, you may choose initial limits before running a search.
Initial Search Limits Page
 |
To view limit page after inital search has been completed, choose "Search Options" located on the right side of the citation display. |
Web of Knowledge—Web of Science
You may “Refine Results” from the results page, search within the results, refine to specific subject areas, document types, authors, source titles, publication years, and languages. Analyze Results extracts data from a selected field based on subject searched.
