How to Find the Right Sources for Your Literature Review

Your search strategy is the foundation of your literature review. Choosing the right sources requires careful consideration to ensure you find the most relevant papers

Developing a search strategy

Before you start looking for academic papers, it's important to have a well-defined search strategy. A clear strategy will save you time and ensure you cover all necessary areas. Consider these questions:

• What are the main themes and keywords related to your topic?

• Which databases and search engines will you use?

• How will you track and organise the papers you find?

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Where to find relevant research articles?

1. Databases

Databases such as PubMed and Scopus offer specialised content tailored for specific fields. They come with advanced search features, including filters, citation tracking, and precision tools. Using techniques like Boolean operators and wildcards can enhance your search efficiency. These databases are valuable for accessing high-quality, peer-reviewed literature.

2. Search engines

Search engines like Google Scholar are popular for their user-friendly interface and broad coverage. They index a wide range of content, including academic papers and conference proceedings. However, be aware that not all scholarly articles are indexed, which might limit your search.

3. AI Research Tools

AI tools like Litmaps, Research Rabbit, and Connected Papers use algorithms to suggest relevant papers based on your interests and previous readings. These tools help organise and manage literature efficiently, though they may have limited content compared to larger databases.

Golden rules for each step

• Justify every decision: There's no single right way to select information sources. Each decision should be justified based on the specific needs of your research.

• Document every step: Record the databases used, search terms, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and any modifications made along the way.

Check out my PDF below for more finding relevant information sources:

Take home message

By combining search engines, databases, and AI tools, you can access a diverse range of sources and organise your literature effectively. Here's a quick recap:

• Search engines: Broad coverage, user-friendly, but incomplete indexing.

• Databases: Advanced search features, specialised content, requires search skills.

• AI Tools: Suggest relevant papers, efficient organisation, limited content.

Highlight Reel

Checkout my Youtube video where I briefly explain three distinct types of information sources (Academic databases, search engines, AI tools), illustrating their distinct applications and benefits. 🎓

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