How can I find research related to my research question on academic platforms?

To efficiently locate research related to your specific question on academic platforms, utilize targeted keyword searches, subject filters, citation tracking, and database alert functionalities. These methods leverage existing metadata and platform tools to surface relevant scholarly works. Identify the most precise keywords and synonyms representing core concepts within your research question; employ Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine searches. Select appropriate subject categories or filters offered by the platform (e.g., PubMed's MeSH terms, Web of Science Categories) to narrow results scope significantly. Utilize cited reference searching (backward chaining) to trace foundational works, and explore papers citing key articles (forward chaining) to discover newer research. Setting up email alerts for specific searches or keywords ensures ongoing discovery of newly published relevant material. Critically assess source relevance and authority, recognizing platform limitations such as paywall access. Effectively implement this by starting with broad keyword exploration, gradually refining terms and utilizing filters based on initial results. Save complex search strings and establish alerts early in your research process. Practice consistent citation tracking. This structured approach enhances research efficiency, reduces oversight, ensures comprehensive literature coverage, and accelerates foundational understanding, directly supporting the development of robust research proposals and manuscripts.