The ever-growing volume of scholarly publications necessitates innovative approaches to literature exploration. ResearchRabbit, a free online “citation-based literature mapping tool”, has emerged as a promising solution by leveraging citation network analysis and visualization maps. Users initiate the process by feeding the tool a select few seed publications relevant to their research topic. ResearchRabbit then analyzes the reference lists of these seed articles, employing a combination of citation networks and proprietary algorithms to identify similar publications.

These publication recommendations are presented as two distinct visualization maps: network view and timeline view. The network view allows users to explore connections between publications, pinpointing potentially valuable sources that traditional keyword-based searches might miss. Within the network view, users can further refine their exploration by filtering for earlier, later, or similar works based on citations and the tool’s algorithms. The timeline view offers a complementary perspective, plotting publications by year to illustrate the historical development of research within the field.

This visualization approach offers a distinct advantage over traditional search methods like when using Google Scholar. By visually depicting connections between publications and authors, ResearchRabbit empowers researchers to grasp the broader context of their field and identify seminal works that have shaped current research trends. While limitations exist, such as the initial learning curve associated with the tool’s various functionalities, ResearchRabbit offers a valuable addition to the modern researcher’s toolkit. This AI-powered tool can significantly streamline the literature review process and enhance research efficiency by fostering a deeper understanding of the scholarly landscape.

Bibliography:

Cole V, Boutet M. ResearchRabbit. J Can Health Libr Assoc. 2023 Aug 1;44(2):43–7. doi: 10.29173/jchla29699. PMCID: PMC10403115.