Källöversikt

Källöversikt is a Swedish term that translates to "source overview" or "source survey." It refers to a systematic examination and description of the available sources related to a particular topic, research question, or historical period. This process is fundamental in many academic disciplines, including history, literature, sociology, and information science.

The purpose of a källöversikt is to identify, locate, and evaluate the relevance and reliability of various sources. These sources can be diverse, encompassing primary materials such as original documents, letters, diaries, artifacts, and interviews, as well as secondary materials like scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites. The overview helps researchers understand the existing body of knowledge, identify gaps in research, and determine which sources are most suitable for their specific needs.

A well-executed källöversikt typically involves categorizing sources, summarizing their content, and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. This might include considering the author's bias, the publication date, the intended audience, and the methods used in creating the source. The outcome of a källöversikt often informs the direction of further research, helps in formulating research questions, and forms the basis for a literature review section in a thesis or scholarly paper. It is a crucial step in ensuring that research is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the relevant documentary landscape.