Social Science Research Assistant how-to

How to Do a Literature Search

Good searches find key studies.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good searches find key studies. In short: define; search; screen, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Define keywords.

  2. Search databases.

  3. Screen titles.

  4. Read abstracts.

  5. Save in a citation manager.

  6. Summarize.

Safety reminders for social science research assistants

  • Protect participant data
  • Follow IRB protocols
  • Store data securely
  • Report problems to the PI

Qualitative research · Quantitative research · Sample · IRB · Literature review · PI: see the full social science research assistant glossary.

More social science research assistant how-to guides

Learn this in Social Science Research Assistant trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz