citationtracing

Citation tracing, also known as citation chaining or bibliographical tracking, is a research method used to discover relevant scholarly literature. It involves examining the reference lists of known relevant articles to find earlier works that influenced them, and then checking sources that have cited those articles to find later works that built upon them. This process creates a "chain" of interconnected research.

The primary goal of citation tracing is to ensure comprehensive literature searches. By following citations forward and backward, researchers can identify seminal works in a field, discover emerging research trends, and find studies that have significantly impacted the academic discourse. It is particularly useful for identifying both foundational studies and the most recent developments within a particular research area.

This technique is commonly employed in academic research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It helps researchers build a robust understanding of a topic's history and current state. Tools like Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science facilitate citation tracing by providing citation counts and links to citing and cited works. While effective, it can be time-consuming, especially in rapidly evolving fields.