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How To Do A Literature Review (STRESS-FREE!)

by Andy Stapleton

📚 Main Topics

Finding Literature
- Importance of a reference manager (e.g., Zotero).
- Various platforms for literature search: Google Scholar, Illicit, Consensus, Lit Maps, Connected Papers, Sci Space, Research Rabbit.
Filtering Literature
- Use of AI tools to filter and prioritize relevant papers.
- Recommended tools: Notebook LM, Consensus.
- Focus on reading the most relevant papers (20-25% of total).
Understanding Concepts and Gaps
- Mapping concepts and identifying research gaps using Notebook LM and Consensus.
- Creating mind maps to visualize key themes and structure.
Structuring the Literature Review
- Utilizing AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Thesis AI, Sci Space) to generate a suggested structure.
- Importance of understanding the structure rather than copying it.
Content Creation
- Maintaining control over content creation using tools like ChatGPT and Jenny AI.
- Importance of integrating additional sources as needed.
Reviewing the Literature Review
- AI review tools (e.g., Thesisify, Paper Wizard) for feedback on structure and content.
- Manual review for thoroughness and clarity, including peer reviews.
Finalizing the Review
- Importance of a detailed manual review to ensure academic rigor and readability.
- Techniques for proofreading, such as reading paragraphs backwards.

✨ Key Takeaways

AI Tools Enhance EfficiencyAI tools can significantly streamline the literature review process, from finding literature to structuring and reviewing content.
Balance AI and Traditional MethodsWhile AI tools are beneficial, traditional methods of literature search and critical reading remain essential.
Iterative ProcessWriting a literature review is an iterative process that involves filtering, reading, mapping, structuring, and reviewing.
Skill DevelopmentEngaging deeply with the literature and the writing process is crucial for developing academic skills.

🧠 Lessons

Use AI WiselyLeverage AI tools to assist in the literature review process, but ensure that you maintain control over your work and understanding.
Seek FeedbackRegularly seek feedback from peers and mentors to improve your literature review.
Embrace the Learning CurveAccept that your initial drafts may not meet your future standards, and view this as a sign of growth in your academic journey.
Be Proud of Your WorkCelebrate the completion of your literature review, recognizing it as a significant achievement in your academic career.

Transcript excerpt

0:00 There are so many awesome AI tools, but how do you use them together to write a literature review? Well, I'm about to show you the ultimate workflow and this is what it looks like. So, we'll head over here and this is what I am doing in my mind every time I'm doing a literature review. First of all, finding literature, go and search, go and absorb that information. Then, I'm filtering it using AI tools. And by the way, there's AI tools in all of these, spoiler alert. And then we do a full read of only some of the papers. The great thing about AI tools is that you don't need to read

0:31 everything and then at the end we come out with an awesome literature review that you are proud of. So let's get into each individual step and the sample AI tools that you could use for each one. So the first thing you need to do is go and find literature. There are loads of ways to find literature. Ultimately first of all though you need a reference manager. Zotterero is one of the best ones that integrates with a load of different AI tools, but you can use others if you want. But if you want to connect it directly, Zotterero seems to be your best bet at the moment for a

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