Finding good sources

Finding sources you can trust

Your literature review shows you understand the existing research. That means real, credible sources: peer reviewed papers, books, and reputable reports.

Be careful here. A general AI chat tool can suggest search terms and explain concepts, but it is not a reliable place to find real papers. It can invent titles that do not exist. Use it to plan your search, then do the searching in proper places:

• Google Scholar
• Your university library and its databases
• Trusted repositories in your field

A safe way to use AI:

I am researching [your question]. Suggest 10 search terms and 5 related
concepts I should look up in an academic database. Do not give me paper titles.

You find the real sources. AI only helps you know what to look for.

Practice

Generate a list of search terms with AI, then run two of them in Google Scholar. Save three real papers you find into your "Sources to check" list.