How to find relevant research based on the citation information in scientific research papers?

Finding relevant research through citation information leverages existing references as pathways to related works. By tracing cited sources or papers citing them, researchers efficiently discover seminal or current studies on similar topics. Citations function through networks: backward tracking explores foundational papers cited within the work, while forward tracking identifies newer research referencing the original work. This method applies broadly across disciplines but depends significantly on comprehensive citation database coverage, such as Google Scholar or Web of Science. Key considerations include database biases toward certain publishers, varied citation practices across fields, and potential difficulty tracing older pre-digital publications. Begin by selecting relevant databases. Input the original paper's details to execute backward searches for its references and forward searches for citing articles. Systematically review results, filtering for thematic relevance and publication quality. Apply "snowballing" by iteratively searching citations within relevant papers. This approach significantly streamlines literature reviews, enhances foundational knowledge building, and aids in identifying knowledge gaps and collaborative opportunities within the field.