MeSH and text-word search strategies: precision, recall, and their implications for library instruction.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study compared the recall and precision of MeSH-term versus text-word searching to better understand psychosocial MeSH terms and to provide guidance on whether to include both strategies in an information literacy session or how much time should be spent on teaching each search strategy.

Methods

Using the relevant recall method, a total of 3,162 resources were considered and evaluated to form a gold standard set of 1,521 relevant resources. We compared resources discussing psychosocial aspects of children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes using two search strategies: text-word strategy versus MeSH-term strategy. The frequency of MeSH terms, the MeSH hierarchy, and elements of each search strategy were also examined.

Results

Using the 1,521 rel

SUBMITTER: DeMars MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8830400 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature