Literature Reviews for Public Affairs and Policy: Getting Started
Phrasing your Question
The most difficult part of a literature review is articulating your research question in a manner that is compatible with research databases. These databases frequently use controlled vocabulary or field-specific terminology that is unintuitive to researchers who are only just entering the scholarly discussion. The first step is to articulate your research topic.
Example
What is the impact of Social Media on public political participation in Canada?
Identify key terms, specifically nouns. In this case: Social Media ; Public Political Participation ; Canada. Consider Synonyms.
| Social Media | Public Political Participation | Canada |
| Social Networks | Political Participation | you might narrow to a specific region or city |
| internet community | Citizen Participation | |
| social websites | Activism | |
If you are having difficulty, log into PAIS Index or Public Affair Index and search your keyword. See what other subject terms they suggest. Example:
Using early results to find new keywords and subject terms
As you begin your searching, pay attention to search terms that are recommended by the databases, and well as terms used by authors. Give provides insight into the terminology used relating to your topic. Example:
