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Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:18 am
Diving into your literature search is one of the most exciting parts of the dissertation process, and also one of the most vital. While it takes some thought and preparation, developing a sound literature search strategy is a must. In order to maximize your efforts and avoid getting lost in the databases, it’s a good idea to do some careful planning before you start the research process.
These are some frequently asked questions about literature search strategies:
- What is a literature search strategy?
- Why do I need a literature search strategy?
- How should I structure my literature search?
- How do I perfect my literature search strategy?
What is a Literature Search Strategy?
A literature search strategy is an action plan for martialing all of the scholarly sources that you will use in your dissertation. Your search will give you a clear picture of the history of your topic and the current critical conversation, as well as expose gaps in the literature ripe for investigation. Eventually, one of these gaps will help you form the research question that will be the beating heart of your dissertation.
Your literature search strategy should reflect your desires and goals for developing your topic and completing your dissertation. It will inform the depth and scope of your search, as well as the variety of sources you seek out. Your search strategy will also influence your research timeline and when you will complete each milestone of your dissertation.
Why Do I Need a Literature Search Strategy?
In my experience as a scholar, professor, and dissertation consultant, I have reviewed hundreds of reference pages. Each one tells a story, a saga of works cited or dismissed, consulted or overlooked. When a literature search includes dozens, or even hundreds, of sources, it’s easy to get lost. Having a clear literature search strategy will help you stay out of the weeds.
In addition to getting overwhelmed by the amount of sources you’ll be examining during your literature search, it is also easy to get distracted. When I was working on my dissertation, my advisor cautioned me to be mindful of all the “bright, shiny objects” that would lead me down rabbit holes that were only tangentially related to my topic. While it’s hard to resist the lure of new horizons, a set literature search strategy will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
How Should I Structure My Literature Search?
A good place to start is a thorough accounting of all of the resources that are available to you. While I had years’ worth of graduate scholarship experience before I started my dissertation, it wasn’t until I started my research that I fully understood how vast the body of knowledge about my topic really was, or how much work was ahead of me. For me, it was the beginning of a transformative learning experience (which is kind of the point, right?), and it made me see how research is a science as well as an art.
My search began with the databases my university library subscribed to, and I spent my days combing through JSTOR and EBSCO refining my search terms, conducting advanced searches, skimming abstracts, and wading through theory. I became well-acquainted with the inter-library loan system (check it out, it’s great!) as well as the seemingly endless ink-and-paper journal archives. While I started with an informal literature search strategy, it became more targeted the further I progressed.
Perfecting Your Literature Search Strategy
While no plan is foolproof, there are steps you can take to safeguard your literature search strategy. My best advice is not to wing it; having a plan will save you a lot of time and frustration. Also, get to know your academic library and all of its resources. Research librarians are specialists in their field, and the unsung heroes of academic research. They’re a great friend to have by your side when you’re in the trenches of the literature search.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help beyond the library. There are a multitude of resources available to you. When mapping out your literature search strategy, discuss your plan with your advisor or a dissertation consultant in order to gain perspective and insight about possible pitfalls. If you hit a snag, reach out and ask for help early; waiting just leads to frustration and lost time. Momentum is an important key to finishing your dissertation, and an expert literature search strategy is the perfect way to get the ball rolling.
