Which tool might be best for gaining an overview of academic literature on a topic?

Google Scholar is designed specifically for academic research, providing access to a wide range of scholarly articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents across various disciplines. Its focus on peer-reviewed and academically credible sources makes it an ideal tool for gaining an overview of the existing literature on a particular topic.

Unlike general search engines like Google or Yahoo, which deliver a broad mix of content that may not always be reliable or relevant to academic inquiries, Google Scholar filters results to prioritize academic publications. This feature helps researchers quickly locate meaningful studies and reviews that can inform their understanding of a subject.

Wikipedia, while a useful starting point for general information, does not provide the level of academic rigor or citation quality found in scholarly journals, making it less suitable for in-depth research. In contrast, Google Scholar serves the specific purpose of facilitating access to academic knowledge, thus making it the best choice for gaining an overview of the literature.