Literature Search and Types

A strong Extended Essay depends on finding high quality, relevant and credible sources. A literature search is the process of identifying, locating and evaluating the information that will help you answer your Research Question. 

The steps below summarise what good academic search practice looks like.

1. Start with the key concepts in your Research Question

Before searching, identify the core concepts, themes and terms in your question.

Ask yourself:

What are the essential ideas in my question?

What types of sources do I need? (books, journal articles, data sets, theory, policy documents, case studies)

What subject specific terminology should I use in searches?

This helps you search with purpose, not guesswork.

2. Build a search plan

Think about where and how you will search.

List keywords and useful phrases

Add synonyms and technical terms

Decide which databases to use (JSTOR, Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, etc.)

Identify what kinds of sources your subject values most

A clear plan helps you avoid shallow or repetitive searching.

3. Begin searching and expand your terms

Your search should be iterative, not one single attempt.

Try:

Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)

Narrowing or broadening dates

Looking at reference lists in strong sources

Searching for counter perspectives

Adding related terms that appear in your early reading

Strong essays use a range of perspectives rather than a single viewpoint.

4. Evaluate your sources critically

Not all sources are equal. Evaluate each one for:

• Credibility (Is it scholarly? Peer reviewed? Expert authored?)

• Relevance (Does it directly help you answer your RQ?)

• Accuracy (Are claims supported with evidence?)

• Bias and perspective

• Depth (Does it offer analysis or just description?)

This is essential for Criterion B and C.

5. Take structured notes and keep organised records

Record your notes in your Extended Essay Working Document or planning document, organised by topic or theme.

Good notes should:

• summarise the core idea in your own words

• include direct quotations only when necessary

• link the idea to your Research Question

• note strengths, limitations, and possible uses in your argument

Keep track of all sources in:

• NoodleTools/Zotero/MyBib/Mendeley

• or your school approved citation manager

This prevents academic honesty issues and makes writing much easier later.

6. Know when to stop searching

You have searched enough when:

• you are finding repeated ideas

• your sources clearly support or challenge your line of argument

• you have enough material to write confidently and precisely

• further searching provides little new value

A good literature search is targeted, not endless.

7. Red flags in weak literature searches

Students often get stuck when their research:

• uses mainly websites instead of scholarly sources

• relies on only one perspective

• has too many irrelevant sources

• collects information but does not organise it

• confuses reading widely with reading purposefully

Your goal is depth, not quantity.