Goal
Convert one core research question into a small set of review modules that cover the key dimensions of the problem without collapsing into a loose topic list.
Workflow
- Restate the core question in one sentence.
- Identify the main actors, mechanisms, outcomes, contexts, and constraints embedded in the question.
- Propose 3-5 modules that are independent enough to become review sections.
- Check overlap: if one paper naturally belongs to three modules, the module boundaries are probably weak.
- Check coverage: the modules together should explain the main question's key dimensions.
- Flag likely dense, thin, or promising modules based on expected literature distribution.
Module Design Rules
Good modules should be:
- Mutually distinguishable: each module asks a different sub-question.
- Collectively useful: together they help answer the core question.
- Literature-searchable: each can generate keywords, inclusion criteria, and section titles.
- Analytical rather than decorative: avoid generic buckets like "background", "status", or "problems" unless they express a real mechanism.
Common Module Axes
Choose axes that fit the question:
- Drivers: economic incentives, capability thresholds, social networks, institutional environment.
- Mechanisms: perception, decision process, resource allocation, coordination, feedback loops.
- Actors: individuals, organizations, platforms, governments, communities.
- Stages: adoption, use, persistence, exit, diffusion.
- Contexts: region, industry, policy period, population type, technology maturity.
- Outcomes: performance, equity, participation, sustainability, resilience.
Output Format
Provide:
## Core Question
[One sentence]
## Proposed Modules
| Module | Sub-question | Include | Exclude |
|---|---|---|---|
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Coverage Check
- What the modules cover well: ...
- Possible missing dimension: ...
- Possible overlap to revise: ...
## Suggested Review Outline
1. ...
2. ...
3. ...
Guardrails
- Do not create more than five main modules unless the user explicitly asks for a large taxonomy.
- Do not organize modules only by author, year, country, or method unless that is the analytical point.
- When the user gives only a broad topic, first invoke question refinement logic before decomposing modules.