References are an integral part of scientific writing. Being able to use references well can add credibility to your work and ensure that your arguments are supported by reliable evidence. Below is a guide to finding and using references effectively in your scientific papers.
How to Find References
1. Start with a General Search
One of the easiest ways to begin is with a quick Google search. Familiarizing yourself with the general aspects of your topic can help you create a more defined search strategy.
For example, if your paper is about species interactions in the North Atlantic Ocean, you could start by searching for terms like:
- “species interactions”
- “North Atlantic Ocean”
Reading general articles on related topics like species interactions, competition, or the dominant ocean currents in the Northern Atlantic can clarify definitions and give you a foundation to build on. These non-scientific articles use simpler language, which can be helpful before diving into complex scientific literature.
2. Use Google Scholar for Deeper Research
Google Scholar is a powerful tool for finding academic papers. Start typing your keywords into the search bar, and it will suggest related terms. Here are some examples to try:
- “species interactions and competition”
- “species interactions predation”
- “North Atlantic oscillation climate”
- “species indicative of North Atlantic”
You can filter results on the left-hand side of the page to narrow your search, for instance by publication date or type of article. Prioritize peer-reviewed articles and, when possible, choose papers published in the last 15 years to ensure relevance.
Tip: Link your university library to Google Scholar for broader access to full-text articles. Go to the three stacked lines in the top left > Settings > Library Links, and add your university.
3. Evaluate the Relevance of Articles
Not all articles with promising titles will be useful. When you find a paper, such as “Community Ecology in a Warming World: The Influence of Temperature on Interspecific Interactions in Marine Systems”, evaluate its relevance by:
- Reading the abstract: Does it align with your topic?
- Skimming headings and conclusions: Do they provide relevant insights?
- Reviewing the introduction and figures: Are key terms and data applicable to your research?
If there are unfamiliar terms, make a note for further research. For more detailed strategies, check out guides on reading scientific papers.
4. Leverage the Paper’s References
A great way to expand your source list is to explore the references cited in a paper you find useful. For example, if the paper “Community Ecology in a Warming World: The Influence of Temperature on Interspecific Interactions in Marine Systems” is helpful, the references it cites may also be relevant to your work.
Staying Organized
Managing references efficiently is crucial to avoid losing track of useful sources. Here are some tips:
- DOI Tracking: Save the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of every useful paper.
- Reference Managers: Use tools like Zotero to organize and format your references automatically.
- Spreadsheets: Keep a list in Google Sheets or Excel for easy access.
Example Citation
Kordas, R. L., Harley, C. D., & O’Connor, M. I. (2011). Community ecology in a warming world: the influence of temperature on interspecific interactions in marine systems. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 400(1-2), 218-226. DOI: 10.1016/j.jembe.2011.02.029
By following these strategies, you can streamline the process of finding and using references in your scientific writing, ensuring that your work is credible, well-supported, and impactful.
