Sign Up
Go to the RefDesk homepage and create a new account using email and password, or sign in with your Google account.
Tip: Research question formulation and scoping search are completely free. No credit card required.
Create a New Research Project
On the Dashboard, click "+ New Project" to create a new research project. Give it a name and describe your idea.
Tip: No need to know methodology. Write your idea as-is — the system will help you refine it.
AI Conversation for Research Question
On the Project page, click "Start AI Conversation" to begin the research question formulation process. The AI will guide you through 6 stages.
Tip: Write in whichever language is comfortable — Hebrew or English. You can click "quick reply" buttons to speed up the conversation.
Download Protocol & Research Question
At the end of the conversation, the system generates a complete research protocol. Return to the Project page to download documents in various formats.
Tip: DOCX is the recommended format — it can be opened in Word and Google Docs for editing as needed.
Scoping Search via OpenAlex
On the Project page, click "Scoping Search" to run a landscape analysis. The system suggests ready-made queries from your protocol.
Tip: Scoping search helps understand if your research topic is feasible and what has already been studied. This is an important step before diving in.
Build Search Strategy (Pro Module)
For Pro users — build professional search queries with MeSH terms and Boolean logic for databases like PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL.
Tip: This module requires a Researcher subscription ($19/mo). Upgrade via the "Plans & Billing" page.
Title & Abstract Screening
After running your search, upload results and screen articles by title and abstract. You can screen manually or use AI assistance.
Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts (E/I/M) to speed up screening. Mark "Maybe" generously — you can decide in the full-text phase.
Full-Text Screening
Articles marked "Include" or "Maybe" move to the full-text screening phase. Here you review the complete text of each article and make a final decision.
Tip: The PRISMA diagram is automatically generated from your screening data — save it as an image for your manuscript.
Complete Process Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
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