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How to Use Google Scholar for Citation Chaining

Citation Chaining

Citation chaining is a process through which you can identify useful and relevant sources by inspecting which sources have cited each other. In this way, you can explore a discussion, topic, or idea both forward and backward across time. 

Forward Chaining (and Google Scholar)

If you need sources newer than the one you've already found, try forward chaining. 

  1. Search for the title of your article in Google Scholar. 
  2. Look for a link under the description saying "Cited by [number of sources that have cited this source]". 

        
     
  3. Click on the "Cited by" link to browse a list of other, newer sources that have cited your article. 
  4. Be discerning. Just because something has cited a good source does not automatically make it credible and accessible. It can be beneficial to search for a title found this way in ACU OneSearch or to Ask A Librarian for assistance. 

Backward Chaining

To find sources that your article has cited (backward chaining), you can look through its References or Works Cited. These sources will be older than the article citing them.