I’m just starting out with ResearchRabbit and keep seeing the term “seed paper.” I understand it’s the paper you add to start a visualization, but I’m not clear on the practical details.
How do you choose a good seed paper? Is it better to start with one very relevant paper, or add a few (like 2-3) on the same topic to give the tool more direction? I’m worried about starting off on the wrong foot.
Still learning.
Great question. A lot of newcomers overthink the seed paper, but it's meant to be a starting point, not a perfect foundation.
I usually start with the one paper that's most central to my current interest. If you start with 2-3, the visualization can sometimes get pulled in two directions, especially if those papers cite different sets of later work. You can always add more seeds later to refine the direction.
Think of it like asking for recommendations. If you ask for "movies like The Matrix," you get one thread. If you ask for "movies like The Matrix and also like Pride and Prejudice," the results get a bit messy. One clear seed keeps your initial map focused.
Keep it civil, keep it real.