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Literature Searching

Follow our step-by-step guide to help you carry out a good literature search

What now?

So, you've broken down the question. You've thought of different words and phrases to search. You know which databases to search. And tried some Boolean techniques. Remember to persevere with your searching. Try different combinations. It may take a few attempts and some time to find what you're looking for. A good literature search takes time and patience.

Not finding what you're looking for?

Books

You may not find a book with your subject in the title. Don't give up, instead look for:

  • general book and browse the contents and index of hardcopy books
  • Search within ebooks for a chapter or section on the topic you want

Journal Articles

This is a bit trickier. sometimes it's really difficult to find articles with the right keywords. On each article, look at:

  • Keywords (normally underneath the abstract) to see words and phrases that authors/researchers have used
  • Reference Lists of a few articles

 

The CRAAP test

Can you tell the difference between a good website and a bad website? How can you evaluate whether the website you are looking at is a credible source to use in academic work or assignments?

Try the CRAAP test:

Currency

  • When was it published?
  • Is the information too old?
  • Does it have a date on it?
  • When was it last updated?
  • How important is it that you have up-to-date information?

Luckily, there are many tools to help you assess any piece of information which will help you avoid the common pitfalls e.g. the CRAAP test (designed by the Meriam Library California State University, Chico and used worldwide). Ask yourself the list of questions from the CRAAP test below. It can be applied to any resource, but most useful for evaluating websites.

Relevancy

  • Does it fit your assessment?
  • Will your assessment be stronger if you include this information?
  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (e.g. too basic or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Does it seem credible?
  • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority

  • Who has published or written the information?
  • Do you trust them?
  • Is it easy to find out anything about them?
  • Who was it written for?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? For example:
    • .ac.uk = Academic institutions in the UK
    • co.uk = Companies in the UK
    • .com = Commercial sites
    • .edu = Educational institutions
    • .gov = Government
    • .nhs.uk = Health information services in the UK
    • .org = Non-profit organizations
    • gov.scot = Scottish Government
    • .net = Network.

Accuracy

  • Is the information correct?
  • Where does the information come from?
  • Does it have references?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been peer reviewed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem objective and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

  • Why do you trust it?

Purpose

  • Why does the information exist?
  • Who has this information been written for?
  • Is it trying to sell you something, persuade you or give you an opinion? 
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
  • For webpages, is advertising used?