How to Use AI for Literature Reviews in 2025
Researchers spend enormous time on literature reviews. AI tools can significantly accelerate this process without compromising rigor. Here is how in 2025.
How to Use AI for Literature Reviews in 2025
The Literature Review Challenge
A comprehensive literature review involves: finding relevant papers, reading and extracting key information, synthesizing across papers to identify themes and gaps, and writing a coherent narrative. AI tools can help meaningfully with every stage except the judgment-intensive synthesis.
Stage 1: Finding Literature (Perplexity + Google Scholar)
Perplexity Pro for initial mapping: “What are the major research areas and key authors in [field]? What are the most cited papers on [specific topic]?”
Then move to Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar for systematic searching. AI does not replace database searching — it helps you know what to search for.
Stage 2: Extracting Key Information (Claude)
As you read papers, paste the abstract and key sections into Claude: “Extract from this paper: (1) the main research question, (2) methodology, (3) key findings, (4) limitations stated by the authors, (5) implications for [your specific research question].”
This extraction prompt works consistently and dramatically speeds note-taking from papers.
Stage 3: Synthesis (Claude)
Once you have extracted notes from 15-30 papers: “Here are my notes from papers on [topic]. Identify: (1) common themes across papers, (2) contradictions or debates in the literature, (3) gaps not addressed by existing research, (4) methodological approaches and their trade-offs.”
Stage 4: Writing the Review
Use Claude’s synthesis to structure your narrative, but write the review yourself — or use Claude for first drafts that you heavily revise. The final text should represent your interpretation, not Claude’s.
Find the Perfect AI Tool for Your Needs
Compare pricing, features, and reviews of 50+ AI tools
Browse All AI Tools →Get Weekly AI Tool Updates
Join 1,000+ professionals. Free AI tools cheatsheet included.