The comparative recall of Google Scholar versus PubMed in identical searches for biomedical systematic reviews: a review of searches used in systematic reviews.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The usefulness of Google Scholar (GS) as a bibliographic database for biomedical systematic review (SR) searching is a subject of current interest and debate in research circles. Recent research has suggested GS might even be used alone in SR searching. This assertion is challenged here by testing whether GS can locate all studies included in 21 previously published SRs. Second, it examines the recall of GS, taking into account the maximum number of items that can be viewed, and tests whether more complete searches created by an information specialist will improve recall compared to the searches used in the 21 published SRs.

Methods

The authors identified 21 biomedical SRs that had used GS and PubMed as information sources and reported their use of identical, repr

SUBMITTER: Bramer WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3882110 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature