What do researchers cite in their Literature Review sections? An exploratory study of citations in Information Systems research articles

The Literature Review (LR) section is an integral part of a research article (RA) where the author needs to develop theoretical groundwork anchor his/her own study. However, part-genre always eludes novice writers, which involves deciding what cite from relevant past literature and goals cited knowledge serves therein. Insights are thus necessary into how experienced/expert writers address such issues. Unfortunately, there has been dearth this topic, with existing work focusing mainly on formal features generic functions source use. Motivated by missing gap pedagogical need grounded in Swales’s (1990) CARS model Authors’ (2014) semantic typology citations, present study attempt examine attributes ideas that get different parts LR sections Information Systems RAs following behavioral science (BSR) paradigm. Findings reveal distinct types cited, associated specific move-steps BSR A comparison some original texts also demonstrates latter have re-contextualized varying degrees advance arguments make their LRs. Taken together, study’s outcomes suggest using move-specific approach citations can yield useful insights use Implications for citation teaching future will be drawn.