How should I search the academic literature on investment mistakes?
Answer
Here are five essential steps to conduct a thorough literature search:
- Background Reading and Preparation:
- Begin by reading textbooks, subject encyclopedias, and relevant materials to understand the context of your topic.
- Ask questions like:
- What led to choosing this topic for your research project?
- Are there seminal books or journal articles related to the topic?
- Is the subject currently discussed in the media?
- Do you have personal knowledge or experience with the topic?
- Identify a small amount of reading material to give you an overview of the subject.
- Working with Your Title - Identifying Search Terms:
- Define key terminology associated with your topic. Consider:
- Important authors
- Theories or concepts
- Key research reports or legislation
- Major genres or movements
- Use the draft title of your research to identify these terms.
- Identifying the Resources to Search:
- Determine the sources you’ll explore. While books and journals are common, consider other valuable sources such as newspaper archives, images, primary data, and conference proceedings.
- Tailor your search based on the topic and available resources.
- Searching - Using Search Techniques:
- Utilize effective search techniques:
- Use relevant keywords and phrases.
- Combine search terms using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT).
- Explore academic databases, library catalogs, and specialized repositories.
- Refine your search based on initial results.
- Keep track of the databases and search engines you use.
- Collating Your Results:
- Organize the relevant literature you find:
- Create a bibliography or reference list.
- Summarize key findings and insights.
- Note any gaps or areas for further exploration.
- Consider using reference management tools to organize citations.
Remember that a well-executed literature search is crucial for informed decision-making and successful research. Happy searching! 📚🔍