Do your lit search with strategy — not stress.
You sit down to search the literature…
…and three hours later, you’ve got 47 tabs open, no idea what you’ve actually found, and a creeping sense of doom.
Yep. Welcome to the rabbit hole.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Part 4 of the PhD Survival Guide series: Strategic Literature Searching helps you skip the chaos and start your literature review with intention — saving you time, energy, and sanity from the start.
What this guide helps you do:
✅ Pick a focused starting point (instead of aimless searching)
✅ Find relevant papers faster — without missing the good stuff
✅ Use keywords and search terms that actually work
✅ Master Google Scholar’s search tools (yes, even the hidden ones)
✅ Stay in control of your search — and your stress levels
Inside the guide:
How to choose a sensible area to begin searching.
The “3 items at a time” rule to keep you focused.
Techniques for smarter searching, not just longer searching.
Keyword and phrase tips to boost your results.
A simple overview of Google Scholar’s advanced search function.
🚨 What happens if you don’t get your lit search under control?
You’ll spend hours saving articles… and still feel like you’ve found nothing useful
You’ll waste time chasing tangents and miss key sources
You’ll delay the rest of your review because you never feel “ready to start writing”
This guide helps you search with purpose — so you can actually start writing sooner.
How to use it:
Download and save the PDFs, whilst having a nice cup of tea!
Work through the prompts and tips
Use the strategies as you search
Come back whenever you start veering off-track
🔁 Want even more support?
This pack is part of the Complete 10-Part Survival Guide Bundle — ideal if you want help with every chapter of your thesis.
Or check out the Complete Literature Review Guide if you’re looking to go deeper into structure and writing.
⚠️ Please note:
These resources complement — but don’t replace — supervisor guidance.
By purchasing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
💬 Got questions?
Contact me here — I’d love to hear about your research and help however I can.
Do your lit search with strategy — not stress.
You sit down to search the literature…
…and three hours later, you’ve got 47 tabs open, no idea what you’ve actually found, and a creeping sense of doom.
Yep. Welcome to the rabbit hole.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Part 4 of the PhD Survival Guide series: Strategic Literature Searching helps you skip the chaos and start your literature review with intention — saving you time, energy, and sanity from the start.
What this guide helps you do:
✅ Pick a focused starting point (instead of aimless searching)
✅ Find relevant papers faster — without missing the good stuff
✅ Use keywords and search terms that actually work
✅ Master Google Scholar’s search tools (yes, even the hidden ones)
✅ Stay in control of your search — and your stress levels
Inside the guide:
How to choose a sensible area to begin searching.
The “3 items at a time” rule to keep you focused.
Techniques for smarter searching, not just longer searching.
Keyword and phrase tips to boost your results.
A simple overview of Google Scholar’s advanced search function.
🚨 What happens if you don’t get your lit search under control?
You’ll spend hours saving articles… and still feel like you’ve found nothing useful
You’ll waste time chasing tangents and miss key sources
You’ll delay the rest of your review because you never feel “ready to start writing”
This guide helps you search with purpose — so you can actually start writing sooner.
How to use it:
Download and save the PDFs, whilst having a nice cup of tea!
Work through the prompts and tips
Use the strategies as you search
Come back whenever you start veering off-track
🔁 Want even more support?
This pack is part of the Complete 10-Part Survival Guide Bundle — ideal if you want help with every chapter of your thesis.
Or check out the Complete Literature Review Guide if you’re looking to go deeper into structure and writing.
⚠️ Please note:
These resources complement — but don’t replace — supervisor guidance.
By purchasing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
💬 Got questions?
Contact me here — I’d love to hear about your research and help however I can.
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