A Case Study on Using Generative AI in Literature Reviews: Use Cases, Benefits, and Challenges

Eva-Maria Schön, Jessica Kollmorgen, Jessica Kollmorgen, Michael Neumann, Maria Rauschenberger

2025

Abstract

Context: Literature reviews play a critical role in the research process. They are used not only to generate new insights but also to contextualize and justify one’s own research within the existing body of knowledge. Problem: Since years, the number of scientific publications has been increasing rapidly. Therefore, conducting literature reviews can be time-consuming and error-prone. Objective: We investigate how integrating generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools may optimize the literature review process in terms of efficiency and methodological quality. Method: We conducted a single case study with 16 Master’s students at a University of Applied Science in Germany. They all carried out a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using generative AI tools. Results: Our study identified use cases for the application of GenAI in literature reviews, as well as benefits and challenges. Conclusion: The results reveal that GenAI is capable of supporting literature reviews, especially critical parts such as primary study selection. Participants can scan large volumes of literature in a short time and overcome language barriers using GenAI. At the same time, it is crucial to assess GenAI outputs and ensure adequate quality assurance throughout the research process due to technology limitations, such as hallucination.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Schön E., Kollmorgen J., Neumann M. and Rauschenberger M. (2025). A Case Study on Using Generative AI in Literature Reviews: Use Cases, Benefits, and Challenges. In Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1: WEBIST; ISBN 978-989-758-772-6, SciTePress, pages 533-543. DOI: 10.5220/0013672700003985

in Bibtex Style

@conference{webist25,
author={Eva-Maria Schön and Jessica Kollmorgen and Michael Neumann and Maria Rauschenberger},
title={A Case Study on Using Generative AI in Literature Reviews: Use Cases, Benefits, and Challenges},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1: WEBIST},
year={2025},
pages={533-543},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013672700003985},
isbn={978-989-758-772-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1: WEBIST
TI - A Case Study on Using Generative AI in Literature Reviews: Use Cases, Benefits, and Challenges
SN - 978-989-758-772-6
AU - Schön E.
AU - Kollmorgen J.
AU - Neumann M.
AU - Rauschenberger M.
PY - 2025
SP - 533
EP - 543
DO - 10.5220/0013672700003985
PB - SciTePress