Scopus AI Quick Guide

Scopus AI should not be used as a replacement for the library's other databases. Although it can be very helpful, keep in mind these limitations: 

• Limited Scope: Scopus AI is not a comprehensive search tool. A basic summary will only use a maximum of 15 articles in its references, and even the Deep Research mode will only use a limited number of relevant articles. Many research topics have many more relevant studies available in other databases
• Critical Evaluated Needed: Scopus AI's results always needed to be reviewed carefully. Just because it identifies an article, expert, or theme doesn't guarantee it's the most relevant or authoritative source for your research. 
• Non-Reproducible Results: Like all generative AI tools, Scopus AI cannot replicate results exactly, even with identical queries. While results will be highly similar, this variability means you need to save or document important findings rather than assuming you can recreate them later on.

Scopus AI is most effective when treated as a supplemental research assistant to be used alongside standard academic databases and other library resources.

Different Scopus AI features can help at different stages of research. Here are several recommendations on how you can use them strategically:

When Starting Research on a New Topic: 

• Review the Copilot Steps to discover useful database search terms
• Read the Summary (or Expanded Summary) to familiarize yourself with key concepts and current research on your topic
• If you are still deciding on a specific topic, use the Concept Map or Go Deeper questions to identify connected topics 

When Looking for Articles: 

• Start with the References from the initial summary
• Review the Foundational documents for seminal works in the field
• Run a Deep Research report for a more extensive bibliography to mine for references 
• Explore the references and citations for key articles in both the References and Foundational Documents
• Check the profiles of the Topic Experts for lists of their publications 
• Generate a Concept Map, and review the citations of any linked concept path summary 

When Identifying Research Gaps: 

• Go to Emerging Themes for novel or rising themes 
• Run a report Deep Research Report and review any suggestions for further research