3.2.6 How can I increase or decrease search results?
No one is willing to assess the relevance of hundreds or thousands of search results. It is better to search in such a way that you get a maximum of a few dozen search results, without throwing relevant search results overboard.
What you can do when you have too many search results
Use more or different search terms
Don't just use Google
Define your search results with the option 'Advanced search'
For example, search within title
Limiting search boundaries can also be done afterwards, it is called filtering. (Filter for example by period)
Combine important search terms with the Boolean AND operator
Be critical of the use of the OR operator
Use truncation as late as possible in a word; trunca*
It is frustrating not getting search results. Of course, it is possible that the database in question does indeed not have any relevant information on your subject.
What you can do when you have too few, or no search results at all
Combine synonyms and translations with the Boolean OR operator
Use fewer or different search terms
Search wider
Try other sources
Snowball methodology: view the literature list of a relevant source to find more sources