Conduct Literature Search
Embarking on a research project requires a solid foundation of existing knowledge in your field. Conducting a thorough literature search is a crucial step to ensure that your research builds upon the existing body of knowledge, identifies research gaps, and enhances the impact of your work. This page will guide you through the process of conducting an effective literature search to set the stage for a successful research endeavor.
Define Your Research Objectives
Before diving into the vast sea of literature, it is essential to clearly define the objectives and scope of your research project. By identifying specific research questions, variables, or hypotheses, you can narrow down your search and focus on relevant literature that aligns with your research goals.
Determine Your Information Needs
To effectively search for literature, it's important to identify the types of information you require. This can include scholarly articles, books, conference papers, dissertations, and more. Understanding the key sources of information relevant to your research area will help streamline your search process.
Select Appropriate Databases
Utilizing specialized databases is vital in retrieving accurate and comprehensive information. Depending on your research topic, consider using discipline-specific databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, or other subject-specific databases available through the TTUHSC El Paso library. These resources provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles and related publications.
Develop a Search Strategy
Crafting a well-structured search strategy will help you retrieve relevant literature efficiently. Start by identifying keywords and phrases that represent the main concepts of your research. Combine these terms using Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR) and parentheses to create search strings. Consider utilizing search filters, such as publication dates or study types, to further refine your results.
Execute the Search
Implement your search strategy across the selected databases. Remember to record your search terms, including variations and synonyms, to facilitate documentation and future reference. Take note of the databases searched, date of the search, and the number of results retrieved. This information is crucial for reproducibility and transparency.
Evaluate and Select Relevant Literature
As your search yields a vast number of results, evaluating the relevance and quality of each article becomes paramount. Assess the titles, abstracts, and keywords to determine whether the publications align with your research objectives. Pay attention to the author's credibility, journal reputation, methodology, and research findings when selecting articles for further reading.
Read and Synthesize the Literature
Once you have identified the most relevant articles, carefully read and critically analyze them. Take detailed notes, highlighting key findings, methodologies, and gaps in the existing literature. Organize your notes by theme or topic to facilitate the synthesis of information and the identification of patterns or trends.
Cite and Reference Appropriately
When incorporating information from the literature into your research, it is crucial to provide proper attribution. Familiarize yourself with the preferred citation style in your field, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Maintain accurate records of your sources, including bibliographic information, to ensure proper referencing in your research work.
Conducting a thorough literature search is an essential step in the research process. By following the steps outlined above, you can identify existing knowledge, refine your research objectives, and make significant contributions to your field. Remember, the Office of Research and the TTUHSC El Paso Library are here to support you throughout your research journey. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from librarians and research experts who can guide you in navigating the vast world of literature.
Below is a list of other resources you can find on the TTUHSC El Paso Library website: