Which error in connectors may negatively impact a literature search in the context of a PICOT question?

In the context of a PICOT question, the correct answer highlights that the use of both "AND" and "OR" can lead to issues that negatively impact a literature search. The reason for this is tied to how these connectors function in database searches.

Using "AND" narrows the search results because it requires the presence of all specified terms in the returned articles. If the terms are too restrictive or not commonly found together, the search might yield very few relevant articles, missing out on potentially useful information.

On the other hand, using "OR" broadens the search. While this increases the number of articles returned by including alternate terms, it can also lead to a flood of less relevant results. If not used carefully, this could dilute the focus of the search, making it harder to sift through all returned articles to find quality information that directly addresses the PICOT question.

Thus, while both connectors can serve specific purposes in refining searches, their improper use can lead to either an overwhelming number of results or a lack of relevant findings, drastically impacting the quality and relevance of the literature search. The combination of both types of connectors without proper strategy can complicate the search process and make it difficult to gather the most pertinent information needed for making evidence-based