What factors should be considered to determine if a literature search is comprehensive?

To determine if a literature search is comprehensive, the choice focusing on search terms and appropriate database is vital. This is because a well-designed literature search starts with the identification of relevant search terms that accurately reflect the topic or question at hand. The use of precise and varied keywords can influence the breadth and depth of the search results. Additionally, selecting appropriate databases is critical, as different databases may house unique sets of literature pertinent to a specific field or subject. This ensures that the search encompasses all relevant sources of evidence, which is a key aspect of a comprehensive review.

Considering just the number of authors, the quality of studies reviewed, or the publication year range would not, by themselves, provide a full picture of the comprehensiveness of the literature search. The thoroughness of a search hinges more directly on the strategy employed in identifying and accessing diverse and relevant sources, which is effectively captured by the aspect of search terms and the databases used.