Here is my newest workflow for an Effortless Literature Review.
It uses @perplexity_ai, @scite, @LitmapsApp, @obsdmd and @teampaperpal.
Tutorial with detailed examples & all the tools:
(Updated with new AI tools)
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@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal The first step is to find a "gateway" paper.
We will use it to get an overview of our topic.
Ideally it has many REFERENCES for us to dig deeper.
And it has many CITATIONS (which we can identify with @LitmapsApp)
The best type is therefore a popular REVIEW paper!
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal 1. @perplexity_ai is a perfect academic search engine
Ask questions in plain english to start learning about your topic.
The [ ] button shows the sources in a popup.
Here is a paper titled: "...A review of two decades of research...".
That's what we were looking for!
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal Collecting all papers before reading them quickly overwhelms me.
Instead I start reading the first review but SLOWLY and CAREFULLY.
This is called a VERTICAL strategy.
To build knowledge think in concepts, not papers. For every CONCEPT you find, make a note and link.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal Notes for me are synonymous with @obsdmd
It's free, private, fast, versatlie (plugins) and almost bug-free.
If you have never worked with @obsdmd, here is a one image introduction.
You can sign up for my free 8-day course on Obsidian (link in bio) notes.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal Review papers will often present CONFLICTING OPINIONS on a topic.
e.g. The highlight in this paper talks about 3 camps.
Collect these papers into a READING LIST.
But don't just collect, write down WHY you want to read it.
This will help you to decide what to read next.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal There is a neat trick to find a reference from a paper quickly using @LitmapsApp
You don't even need an account.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal This method will give you REFERENCES (i.e. everything before this paper), but you are also interested in CITATIONS (i.e. everything after this paper)
This is what @LitmapsApp is for.
Let's create a collection of the 4 papers we have so far and find related ones.
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@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal You can do the above with a free @LitmapsApp account.
If you are only looking for CITATIONS (future), you will need a premium account.
(Video shows how to use it)
IMPORTANT: Be selective when adding papers to your reading list.
My rule of thumb: Keep it under 10 papers.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal Litmaps can visualize your collection in a game changing visual way.
Location in graph tells you how recent a paper is and how many citations it has.
That means: Impactuful papers are at the top right (many citations & recent).
(Big circles signify reviews).
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal Instead of BROADENING you can also go DEEPER.
This is what @scite is for.
Search for a paper that presents an argument.
Set the citation types filter to "contrasting".
These are papers that DON'T support the argument.
Now you can learn about BOTH SIDES of an argument.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal 6. Write short outlines every 5-10 papers.
While it feels counter-productive, it is crucial to write short outlines.
- You develop an argument
- You link papers and concepts together in your notes.
- You create drafts for your publication
I find 30 mins every few days enough.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal 7. Ideas & Questions
A problem for novel scientists is identifying relevant RESEARCH QUESTIONs.
Group your thoughts on a topic, relevant papers and concepts in a question note!
(Papers often explicitely point them out.)
Expand more developed questions into separate notes.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal 8. Writing your manuscript
Collect all your Outlines, papers and questions to have the raw materials to write a first draft.
I make a few grammatical mistakes and need more experience in academic writing - to help with that @teampaperpal is a great:
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal Summary
1. @perplexity_ai finds reviews from plain text questions.
2. Make detailed notes on CONCEPTS, not papers.
3. Note WHY you want to read something, in your @obsdmd list.
4/5. Use @scite to go deeper, @LitmapsApp to go broader.
6. Make free text outlines every 5-10 papers.
@perplexity_ai @scite @LitmapsApp @obsdmd @teampaperpal If there is enough interest in the community, I will organize another webinar!
Please leave your email, to receive an exclusive discount, when the date is set.
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