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Literature Searching

Literature Searching

Literature Searching

 

One of the most crucial elements of research is literature searching - a systematic approach aimed at finding the necessary information resources on a specific topic in a vast array of existing research literature. This process helps identifying the current state of knowledge about a particular topic and preventing further studies on what has already been done. These searches can be quick fact-checks or funded reviews - depending on the research project.

 

Literature searches are necessary for:

  • providing a synopsis of the intellectual advancements made in one's field of study thus far

  • determining whether one's research is innovative

  • developing a specific, well-defined study topic

  • placing one's work in a larger context

  • providing a potential methodological strategy

 

Importance of Literature Searching

Literature searches play a crucial part in the scientific discovery process referred to as “evidence-based practice" where decision making is based on using the best available evidence in conjunction with current relevant data. Conducting a search allows researchers and practitioners to fully understand a subject - which assists in making informed choices while at the same time grounding the particular work within existing knowledge.

 

Challenges and Considerations

  • Comprehensiveness vs. Specificity: A wide-ranging search needs to be comprehensive while also being specific enough that it retrieves relevant results.

  • Database Selection: The choice of databases can significantly impact the results. Researchers need to consider the scope and coverage of each database in relation to their topic.

  • Grey Literature: Including grey literature, such as government reports and conference proceedings, can enhance the comprehensiveness of a search, but may require additional strategies to locate.

 

Conclusion

Literature searching is a critical component of the research process, enabling researchers to build upon existing knowledge and contribute new insights to their field. By following a systematic approach to literature searching, researchers can ensure that their work is informed by the best available evidence and positioned within the broader context of their research area.

 

Sources:

Elsevier Author Services (2024) Systematic Literature Review or Literature Review? Available at: https://scientific-publishing.webshop.elsevier.com/research-process/systematic-literature-review-or-literature-review/ (Accessed: 1 July 2024).

IFIS (2024) Best Practice for Literature Searching. Available at: https://ifis.libguides.com/literature_search_best_practice/literature-searching (Accessed: 1 July 2024).

Grewal, A., Kataria, H. and Dhawan, I. (2016) ‘Literature search for research planning and identification of research problem’, Indian Journal of Anaethesia, 60 (9), pp. 635–639. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5049.190618

OpenAI Perplexity AI (2024) Perplexity AI response to Kathy Neville, 1 July.       

The Open University (2024) How do I do a literature search? Available at: https://www5.open.ac.uk/library/finding-information-on-your-research-topic/how-do-i-do-a-literature-search (Accessed: 1 July 2014).

University of Dundee (2024) Literature Searching. Available at: https://libguides.dundee.ac.uk/literaturesearching/definingthesearch (Accessed: 12 August 2024).

University of Leeds (2024) Literature searching explained - what is literature searching? Available at: https://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1404/literature-searching/14/literature-searching-explained (Accessed: 1 July 2024).

University of Reading (2024) Literature searching. Available at: https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/literature-searching (Accessed: 12 August 2024).

 

 

Further Reading: