Mastering the art of literature search

Conducting a literature search is not only one of the first tasks you will have to do, but it is one that you will be doing until the very end of the dissertation process. Being good at it requires mastering two key sets of skills: the usability features of search engines and exercising academic judgment.

In this blog post, I will explore these two skills and provide practical tips to enhance your literature search process.

🕵 Mastering Search Engines

The first step in a successful literature search is understanding how to effectively use search engines. Google Scholar, for instance, offers a plethora of features that can streamline your search process. I encourage you to watch my tutorial on YouTube: this 15 minute video can save you tens of hours and a lot of grief and frustration when searching for literature.

 🧠 Academic Judgment

Developing your academic judgment skills is crucial in literature search, and these skills will evolve as you progress in your dissertation journey. There are different types of academic judgment that will influence how successful your literature search is:

1. Use different words: Many times the literature uses specific language which is different from the day-to-day language, and therefore it is important to try out different words to make sure you identify the one(s) that are commonly used in the academic literature. Employing a thesaurus and checking the language used in relevant papers can help you find the most appropriate terms for your search.

2. Know what you are looking for: Having a clear understanding of what you are searching for can help you focus your search and make it more efficient. For example, instead of just searching for ‘sponsorship’, search for areas within sponsorship such as “Sponsorship decision making”, “sponsorship motives”, or “Sponsorship Benefits”.

3. Funnel strategy: This strategy involves starting with a broad search and gradually narrowing it down as you gather more information. This approach allows you to refine your search based on the literature you encounter.

4. Zooming out: This is the opposite of the funnel strategy. Understanding the broader concept behind the literature is essential. While papers may differ at the concrete level, they might be similar at the principles level. Recognising these similarities can help you see the relevance beneath the surface. I have actually recorded a video on literature zooming, which you can find on YouTube. The Virtual Tutor Resource contains a much more extended version of this video.  

5. Adapt over time: Your search strategy may evolve as you delve deeper into the literature. Initially, you might use the literature to help decide what your research is about, which in turn influences what you should be searching for. This is particularly important in the earlier stages of the literature review. I often advise my students to sit in front of the computer and do an exploratory search; a kind of purposeless search where their focus is on exploring, even what initially seems irrelevant.

6. Judging based on limited information: Often, you will need to make judgments based on limited information. Start with the title of the paper, followed by an analysis of the abstract. This can give you a quick overview of the paper's relevance to your research. This is an area where you will definitely become better as you progress. At the beginning you will benefit from reading entire papers (or at least most of a paper).

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Mastering the art of literature search requires a combination of technical skills and academic judgment. By effectively using search engines and employing various strategies to refine your search, you can ensure a comprehensive and efficient literature search process. Remember, your search strategy may evolve over time, so stay adaptable and open to new approaches.

I have recorded a lot of videos about literature search and analysis, which you can get old of here, or alternatively by subscribing the entire Virtual Tutor Resource. And if you feel you need more tailored help, consider getting my support.