Academic Research Difficulty: Intermediate

Define the Scope of a Literature Review for a Research Topic

This prompt directs a professional researcher or academic writer to define and articulate the scope of a literature review based on a specified research topic or question. It requires identifying boundaries, key themes, and relevant sources to establish a clear framework for the review. The output must be a structured outline detailing the scope parameters suitable for guiding the literature review process.

The prompt

79 words1 blank to fill in

Act as an experienced academic researcher with expertise in literature review methodology. Based on the provided [RESEARCH TOPIC OR QUESTION], placeholder, create a detailed outline defining the scope of the literature review. Identify and specify the boundaries, key themes, relevant disciplines, timeframes, and types of sources to be included or excluded. Clarify the objectives and limitations that will guide the review process. Present the output as a structured framework that clearly delineates the literature review scope to support systematic research.

Highlighted text is a blank. Swap it for your own detail before you send the prompt.

What it produces

  • Outline specifying inclusion and exclusion criteria for sources based on publication date and relevance.
  • Identification of key thematic areas and disciplines relevant to the research topic.
  • Definition of geographical or temporal boundaries for the literature search.
  • Clarification of objectives and limitations guiding the literature review scope.

How to use this prompt

Four steps, about a minute. Nothing to install and no account needed.

  1. Copy the prompt

    Use the Copy button above. The whole prompt goes to your clipboard exactly as written. Nothing is trimmed.

  2. Fill in the blanks

    Replace [RESEARCH TOPIC OR QUESTION] with your own detail. Everything in square brackets is a blank for you to fill in.

  3. Paste it into your assistant

    Checked against ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini. It is written as plain instructions, so paste it into whichever of them you already use.

  4. Read the result, then push back

    Compare what you get to the example below. If it is close but not right, say what to change: shorter, warmer, more specific, then ask again in the same conversation.

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