Google

When selecting sources for a literature review, it is generally best to prioritize recent research, typically starting with studies published in the past five years. However, the definition of "recent" is relative to the topic: highly active research areas may require sources from the past one to two years, whereas less active fields may justify including research from the past decade.

Recency of Research Sources

Classic articles serve as the primary exception to the rule of prioritizing recent research in a literature review. These are older, foundational studies that remain highly influential and are frequently cited in the reference lists of nearly every other source on a given topic, demonstrating their enduring importance to the field and warranting their inclusion regardless of publication date.

Learn Before

Related