Conducting a traditional systematic literature review (SLR) can take months. Researchers historically had to parse thousands of search results across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, manually inputting variables into sprawling Excel sheets. In 2026, modern AI research tools make it possible to perform PRISMA-compliant literature extraction in days.
Phase 1: Defining Search Scope with Consensus AI
Start by formulating high-level research questions inside Consensus AI. Rather than guessing keyword combinations, input natural questions like "What is the efficacy of mindfulness interventions on cognitive fatigue?"
Phase 2: Visual Network Mapping with ResearchRabbit
Take the top 3-5 seminal papers discovered in Phase 1 and import their DOIs into ResearchRabbit. ResearchRabbit creates a visual co-citation map, instantly surfacing earlier foundational papers and later derivative works that keyword searches often miss.
Phase 3: Building the Extraction Matrix with Elicit
Export your curated collection of PDFs directly into Elicit.com. Instruct Elicit to generate standard columns:
- Sample Size (N)
- Methodology / Study Type (RCT, Cohort, Case-Control)
- Primary Outcome Measure
- Key Findings & p-values
Phase 4: Fact-Checking & Citation Verification via Scite.ai
Before writing your discussion, cross-reference your source list with Scite.ai. Scite checks whether any paper in your review has received contrasting evidence or editorial retractions since publication.