Overview

Scite is designed not just for discovery, but for active integration into your research process. Whether you're conducting a literature review, writing a draft, or finalizing your citations, Scite provides tools that help you work more critically and more efficiently. Once your account is active, you’ll also be able to write prompts that support argument development, literature synthesis, and even editing.

Two key features you’ll explore in this module:

The Reference Check tool — helps identify weak, disputed, or retracted sources in your writing
Alerts — help you stay on top of new publications and citation activity in your area of interest

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Additional Reading

Flashcards

What is the Reference Check tool used for?

To analyze the quality of your citations in a manuscript. It flags retracted or heavily disputed references so you can revise them.

Why would a researcher use Scite alerts?

To stay updated on new citations and publications related to specific topics or papers.

How does Scite help identify unreliable citations in your reference list?

By using the Reference Check tool. It checks your reference list for retractions or heavy disagreement and notifies you accordingly.

What does a Scite alert notify you about?

New articles or citations matching your topic or saved search. You can track changes in a field over time.

How can Scite be used during the writing process?

To check the credibility of your references. You can ensure that your sources are well-supported and not retracted or disputed.

Optional - Preparation Task

Consider a current or recent writing assignment. How could a tool like Scite help you:

Strengthen your argument
Double-check the reliability of your sources
Stay updated while you're revising

Write three draft prompts or tasks you'd use in each of these phases once access is unlocked. For example:

“Find newer studies that support my argument about early childhood nutrition.”
“Check whether my reference to Smith (2021) has been retracted or disputed.”
“Set an alert for any new citations to this key article.”