State of the art: mapping and referencing existing literature

Introduction

Understanding the existing literature related to the research problem is a fundamental activity in any research project. With thousands of new papers published each year, it is crucial to utilize various tools to identify the most relevant publications and develop effective strategies for organizing and managing these resources. Though time-consuming, this essential task enables researchers to clearly articulate the added value and innovation of their research.

Learning outcomes

This module will help you do the following:

• Recognize the importance of preparing a literature review and analyzing research papers, including identifying key themes, methodologies, and gaps in existing research.
• Use different academic search engines, such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to identify research papers, authors, and journals.
• Analyze a systematic literature review related to the research project by evaluating its methodology, findings, and identified research gaps.
• Create a database of relevant research papers found.

Readings

• Zobel: Writing for Computer Science, 2014. Chapter 3 - Reading and Reviewing. https://mcgill.on.worldcat.org/oclc/903205999(required, eBook chapter)
• Tomas: Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2021. Chapter 10 - The Literature Review. https://mcgill.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1239962910 (required, eBook chapter)
• Tomas: Research Methodology and Scientific Writing, 2021. Chapter 15 - References: How to Cite and List Correctly. https://mcgill.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1239962910 (optional, eBook chapter)

Tools

Scopus Web of science Google Scholar Mendeley

Assessment: state of the art

Submission deadline: by Session 5.

Submitted material: a single PDF file containing the list of references included in the database (basic stage) and the insights from the systematic literature review article (in-depth stage).

Basic stage (up to 5 pts)

Create a database of references with a tool of your choice (for example Mendeley.com, downloading the desktop version). The database should include ten references related to your research project. Verify that the references are correct and export them to a file. Each two properly formatted references give 1 point, up to 5 pts total.

Rubric (for each two references):

• 0 = incomplete or unrelated references to the research project.
• 1 = complete and relevant references related to the research project that follows a consistent referencing style.

In-depth stage (up to 5 pts)

Identify and read a research article that presents a systematic literature review related to your research project. Document five main takeaways or insights that apply to your research (1 pt each).

Rubric (per insight):

• 0 = insights disconnected from the proposed research problem.
• 1 = clear connection between the ideas presented in the systematic literature review and the proposed research problem.