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Define a citation search as a literature search strategy, and recall the primary reason why this specific strategy is effective for locating newer research on a topic.

Question: Define a citation search as a literature search strategy, and recall the primary reason why this specific strategy is effective for locating newer research on a topic.

Sample answer: A citation search is a method of navigating the research literature by first locating the academic database record for a classic, foundational article on a topic, and then linking to a list of newer works that have cited it. This technique is effective because subsequent researchers who are investigating the same topic are highly likely to reference the original classic article in their own publications.

Key points:

  • Define citation search as starting with the database record of a classic or foundational article.
  • State that the search proceeds by linking to newer works that have cited that foundational article.
  • Recall that the strategy is effective because subsequent researchers on the same topic are highly likely to reference the original classic article.

Rubric: The response must accurately define a citation search as starting with a classic/foundational article's record and linking to newer works that cite it. It must also correctly state the underlying reason for its effectiveness: subsequent researchers on that topic are highly likely to reference the classic article in their publications.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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