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Literature search is a systematic and thorough search of all types of published literature to identify a breadth of good quality references relevant to a specific topic. It is a fundamental element of the methodology of any research project. The success of a research project is dependent on a thorough review of the academic literature at the outset – getting the literature search right will save hours of time in the long run. Effective literature searching is a critical skill in its own right and will prove valuable for any future information gathering activity whether within or outside of academia. In practice, books and journals are the main source of information for most in-depth literature searches related to an extended essay, dissertation or research project. However, depending on your topic, many other sources will prove equally valuable such as newspaper archives, images, primary data and conference proceedings.
Why Carry Out a Literature Search?
There are several aims of this kind of search:
- To review existing critical opinions or theories.
- To identify current research findings.
- To identify potential research methods or models.
- To enable comparison with your own research findings.
The literature search can be a time-consuming job, so it pays to be well prepared before beginning.
The Stages of the Literature Search
A good literature search entails systematically working through steps 1-5:
- Background reading and preparation.
- Working with your title – identifying search terms.
- Identifying the resources to search.
- Searching – using search techniques.
- Collating your results.
Let’s take a look at these 5 stages in detail:
1. Background Reading and Preparation
Start with some background reading – textbooks, subject encyclopedias, etc. – to get a grasp of the context of the topic and the terminology used in its discussion. Questions you need to ask include:
- What led to the choice of this topic as an extended research project?
- Is there a seminal book or journal article on the topic?
- Is the subject currently being discussed in the media?
- Do you have personal knowledge or experience of the topic?
Identify a small amount of reading material informed by the above to give you an overview of the topic. A good seminal book or journal article related to the topic may contain useful suggestions for further reading.
2. Working with Your Title – Identifying Search Terms
At the outset of a literature search, it is important to identify as much of the key terminology associated with the topic as possible. This could include:
- Important authors.
- Theories or concepts.
- Key research reports or legislation.
- Major genres or movements.
The simplest starting point for identifying such terms is to spend time thinking about the wording for the draft title of your research; from there, it should be possible to identify several key elements.
3. Identifying the Resources to Search
Identify the resources to search. This could include:
- Library catalogs.
- Online databases.
- Search engines.
- Professional organizations.
- Government agencies.
- Non-profit organizations.
4. Searching – Using Search Techniques
Use search techniques to identify relevant literature. This could include:
- Boolean operators.
- Truncation.
- Wildcards.
- Phrase searching.
- Field searching.
5. Collating Your Results
Collate your results. This could include:
- Saving your search results.
- Creating a bibliography.
- Creating a summary of your search results.
Conclusion
Literature search is essential in academic writing. It helps the writer present their ideas and arguments in a clear and concise manner. Developing literature search skills takes time and practice, but the benefits are numerous. By choosing a topic, planning your essay, using an outline, and using facts and evidence, you can develop this essential skill and become a better writer.