Learning objectives
- Construct and freeze a literature search another researcher can rerun.
- Explain ADS query syntax, scope, screening, and inclusion criteria with the formal object.
- Separate evidence, transformation, inference, and limitation.
Terms Developed in Context
These terms form the lecture's reasoning chain from observable through model to a bounded physical conclusion.
- Search query
The exact machine-readable expression submitted to a bibliographic database. In this lecture it supports the evidence-to-model chain for ADS query syntax, scope, screening, and inclusion criteria.
Use and relationship: Read it together with Recall-precision tradeoff and Inclusion criterion. The governing relation \(P(keep|paper)=P(title,abstract,methods|rule)\) shows where the concept enters quantitatively; the student should state whether its value is measured, calibrated, adopted, or inferred.
Boundary: This describes the screen, not the quality of the literature. This caveat prevents the term from being treated as a unique explanation or a context-free number.
- Inclusion criterion
A rule established to decide which retrieved records enter the evidence set. In this lecture it supports the evidence-to-model chain for ADS query syntax, scope, screening, and inclusion criteria.
Use and relationship: Read it together with Search query and Screening log. The governing relation \(P(keep|paper)=P(title,abstract,methods|rule)\) shows where the concept enters quantitatively; the student should state whether its value is measured, calibrated, adopted, or inferred.
Boundary: This describes the screen, not the quality of the literature. This caveat prevents the term from being treated as a unique explanation or a context-free number.
- Screening log
A record of candidate papers, decisions, and exclusion reasons. In this lecture it supports the evidence-to-model chain for ADS query syntax, scope, screening, and inclusion criteria.
Use and relationship: Read it together with Inclusion criterion and Search scope. The governing relation \(P(keep|paper)=P(title,abstract,methods|rule)\) shows where the concept enters quantitatively; the student should state whether its value is measured, calibrated, adopted, or inferred.
Boundary: This describes the screen, not the quality of the literature. This caveat prevents the term from being treated as a unique explanation or a context-free number.
- Search scope
The selected databases, fields, dates, object classes, and document types covered by a search. In this lecture it supports the evidence-to-model chain for ADS query syntax, scope, screening, and inclusion criteria.
Use and relationship: Read it together with Screening log and Recall-precision tradeoff. The governing relation \(P(keep|paper)=P(title,abstract,methods|rule)\) shows where the concept enters quantitatively; the student should state whether its value is measured, calibrated, adopted, or inferred.
Boundary: This describes the screen, not the quality of the literature. This caveat prevents the term from being treated as a unique explanation or a context-free number.
- Recall-precision tradeoff
The balance between retrieving most relevant studies and limiting irrelevant results. In this lecture it supports the evidence-to-model chain for ADS query syntax, scope, screening, and inclusion criteria.
Use and relationship: Read it together with Search scope and Search query. The governing relation \(P(keep|paper)=P(title,abstract,methods|rule)\) shows where the concept enters quantitatively; the student should state whether its value is measured, calibrated, adopted, or inferred.
Boundary: This describes the screen, not the quality of the literature. This caveat prevents the term from being treated as a unique explanation or a context-free number.
Method in context
The literature is data: query string, timestamp, database, and screening rule are part of the measurement. Ask what a second researcher needs to reproduce the claim: raw input, processing state, software or database version, and inferential step.
Derivation and assumptions
Define every symbol and explain the failure mode. A method becomes scientific when assumptions are visible enough to be tested.
Worked example
A frozen screen retaining 6 of 18 records has fraction 6/18 = 0.333333.
This describes the screen, not the quality of the literature. Require an independent recomputation and one perturbation.
Misconceptions and study guidance
Do not confuse a data service with a measurement, a catalog identifier with physical identity, a formal error with total uncertainty, or a polished figure with a validated inference. Reconstruct the evidence chain before interpreting.
Verified reading
NASA ADS API Help; SIMBAD User Guide bibliographic queries.
Use the exact documentation anchor in the reference log and record any access mismatch.