SLRSystematic Literature ReviewFrom Literature Discovery to Publication

STAGE 4 · GUIDED REFINEMENT WORKSPACE

3. References and Citation Integrity

Make every citation accurate, consistent, traceable and appropriate.

Step 3 of 7
Step by step: Read the guidance, open the linked tools if needed, then record your verified decisions below. Your work is saved in this browser; export the portfolio to keep a backup.
ESTIMATED HANDS-ON TIME30–45 min
You are ready to continue when

All in-text citations match the reference list, DOIs resolve, the style matches the journal, and no retracted work is cited uncritically.

Tools, templates and prompts for this stepLearn the software on its own guide. Return here to record verified outputs.

Key guidance

  • Insert citations only through a reference manager, then switch to the target journal’s style (CSL/EndNote style).
  • Check DOI, author names, year, volume and pages for every included study — these are the evidence base of your review.
  • Search for retractions and expressions of concern (e.g. Retraction Watch database, Scite, Crossref metadata).
  • Distinguish clearly between included studies and background references; many reviews mark included studies with an ID or asterisk.
  • Never cite a reference suggested by AI without opening and reading the original source.
Stage 4 output worksheetRecord concise, verified outputs. Keep the full working files (matrices, drafts, reference library) in your own storage.

References and Citation Integrity

Fabricated or unverifiable references are a common reason for desk rejection and retraction. Verify every reference against its source.
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