Thread by @Artifexx

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)
👇

@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.

https://twitter.com/Artifexx/status/1644959708736897024

@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.
🎥

@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:

https://twitter.com/Artifexx/status/1661301332446179330

@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.

Follow this tweet:

https://twitter.com/Artifexx/status/1670022490725433345