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Does the search strategy describe the use of multiple databases, grey literature sources, and reference list checking?

 I'm concerned about publication bias in my field. A search limited to PubMed and Scopus might miss key conference proceedings, theses, or unpublished data. I'm asking to learn how comprehensive, publishable reviews justify their source selection and actively seek out so-called 'grey literature' to present a complete picture of the evidence.

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By Nisha Ali Answered 8 months ago

In my view, a search confined to mainstream databases is often incomplete. I have seen pivotal studies especially null findings or innovative early work exist only in dissertations, conference abstracts, or institutional reports. I would recommend a multi-pronged approach: at least two major subject databases, targeted grey literature sources like clinical trial registries or academic repositories, and systematic checking of reference lists. This triangulation is crucial to mitigate the inherent bias of published literature and is a mark of a truly thorough review.

 

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