Keywords: Are they Important in Literature review?

Summary

This video script emphasizes the importance of selecting and standardizing keywords for a systematic literature review, using the example of blockchain technologies in the agri-food supply chain. It highlights the necessity of deriving keywords from the research question, ensuring they are widely accepted in the literature. The script explains strategies for refining keyword searches, including using combinations and setting inclusion/exclusion criteria, to obtain relevant articles. The key takeaway is the significance of a strategic, thoughtful approach in searching databases, avoiding hasty keyword use to ensure the search yields quality results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keywords are essential in research and should be derived from the research question to guide the search strategy.
• 😀 Standardized keywords are crucial. They should be widely accepted in the literature to ensure relevant search results.
• 😀 A well-defined research question helps identify the right keywords, saving time in the long run.
• 😀 Research questions like 'impact of blockchain technologies on agri-food supply chain' provide a clear structure for determining keywords.
• 😀 Avoid creating new terms; use established, standardized terms already available in the literature.
• 😀 Keywords need to be broken down into key terms and variations to refine the database search.
• 😀 Agri-food supply chain and blockchain technologies are examples of core keywords for the research question presented.
• 😀 Researchers should consider synonyms or related terms to ensure a comprehensive literature search.
• 😀 Inclusion and exclusion criteria can help filter the articles and make searches more precise, for instance, by focusing on agri-food-related research.
• 😀 A strategic approach is needed to avoid irrelevant search results—researchers should not jump to searching immediately without planning.
• 😀 If one search strategy yields too few results, adjust by using a broader approach or applying different inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Q & A

Why are keywords important in a research literature review?

Keywords are essential because they directly stem from the research question and help guide the search for relevant literature. Proper keywords ensure the search is focused and efficient, allowing researchers to retrieve only the most pertinent articles.

What is the relationship between the research question and keywords?

The research question serves as the foundation for identifying the keywords. The clearer and more precise the research question, the more effective the keywords derived from it will be, leading to more relevant search results in the literature review.

What does it mean for keywords to be standardized?

Standardized keywords are those that are widely accepted and used in existing literature. They should align with established terminology within the academic community, ensuring the research is accessible and relevant to existing studies.

What could happen if keywords are not standardized?

If keywords are not standardized, it can result in incomplete or irrelevant search results. This can waste time and lead to missing important studies that use different but recognized terminology.

How does the speaker suggest we should approach keyword-based searches in databases?

The speaker suggests beginning with two major strategies: one with the combination of 'blockchain technologies' and 'agri-food supply chain', and another by including 'supply chain' and 'blockchain technology', but limiting the search to articles related to 'agri-food'. These approaches should be tailored based on the number of relevant articles found.

What are the possible risks if researchers rush to search databases without proper keyword strategy?

Rushing into a search without considering the right keyword strategy can result in retrieving irrelevant or low-quality literature. This may lead to wasted time and difficulty in identifying the key studies related to the research question.

What is the role of inclusion and exclusion criteria in the search process?

Inclusion and exclusion criteria help refine the search by specifying which studies should be considered based on certain characteristics, such as the focus on 'agri-food' within the broader context of blockchain technology and supply chains.

Why might researchers need to break down keywords further during the search process?

Breaking down keywords allows researchers to refine their search if initial results are too broad or sparse. This step helps identify additional relevant terms or synonyms, improving the precision and relevance of the search.

What does the term 'Goldilocks' refer to in the context of the search strategy?

The 'Goldilocks' approach refers to finding the optimal search strategy—not too broad, not too narrow—by adjusting keywords and search parameters based on the number of results obtained. If the results are too few, the strategy is modified to include broader terms.

How can the use of synonyms, like 'agri-food logistics,' impact the keyword search?

Using synonyms like 'agri-food logistics' ensures a broader search, capturing literature that may use different terminology but addresses similar concepts. It helps researchers avoid missing relevant studies that do not use the exact keywords.