---
name: citation-network-search
description: Find related research through backward references and forward citation links, documenting seeds, sources, dates, and coverage limits.
---

# Citation network search

Use to expand a research search from identified relevant papers, trace intellectual development, or locate work citing a known study. Establish the question and eligibility boundaries; choose seed records for relevance and diversity rather than treating them as an exhaustive sample.

## Procedure

Verify each seed's identity and version using a persistent identifier or reliable metadata. Search backward through its reference list and forward using available citation indexes. Record the database or source, search date, direction, seed, query or identifier, and records found. Citation indexes differ in coverage and update speed, so state which were accessible and do not interpret a missing link as evidence that no citation exists.

Screen newly found records against the research question and retain reasons for exclusion when the project needs an auditable trail. Follow further generations when useful; define a stopping rule, such as a bounded number of iterations or diminishing yield, and report it. Merge records with traceable identifiers and inspect ambiguous duplicates. Distinguish citations to a preprint, published version, correction, and retraction when possible.

Use title, abstract, context and full text as available to determine relevance; a citation edge alone does not establish agreement, influence, validity, or the nature of the cited claim. Check actual citing passages before making such assertions.

## Deliverable and dependencies

Return a source-linked list or network table containing seed, related item, direction, source and date, plus inclusion decisions and coverage limitations. Network access, citation-index coverage, and full text may limit the result. Label proposed searches as proposed and avoid claims of exhaustive mapping unless the evidence supports them.