Step 2: Search Terms

Once you've decided where to search, think about the main topics or concepts of your protocol for search terms.   Here are some typical things to use:

  • species
  • organ systems 
  • specific condition, disease, hormones, treatment...
  • reduction, refinement, replacement. In general, the word alternative won't return useful information because it is out of context.  These words are more effective.  
  • synonyms for each term, for example
    • monitor or evaluate or supervise
    • technique or method or procedure
    • housing or facility or caging

Next, you'll search using these terms.  Web of Science, CAB Abstracts and PubMed are all recommended.  You can find tips on searching each database next.