Query Bank
In short: The Query Bank is a browsable catalog of more than 100 research questions, grouped into categories such as Authors & Groups and Trends & Time. Click a question to see the maps that answer it, then click Explore with map. You can also type your own question at the bottom and click Map it.
Open the Query Bank
Use any of these:
- In the Research Maps gallery, click plot a new one at the bottom of the page.
- In the gallery, click New Map in the left sidebar.
- With a map open, click into the Map queries bar and click Query Bank above the suggestions.
The dialog is titled Query Bank, with the line "Pick a research question and we’ll map it — or ask your own below."
Map a question from the catalog
- Open the Query Bank.
- Click a category along the top. Common is selected first.
- Scroll the list. Each row shows the question, the map types that can answer it, and how many ways there are to answer it (for example "3 ways to answer").
- Click Show more at the end of the list to load more questions. It shows how many you've loaded, for example "Show more (20 of 34)".
- Click a question. The "How do you want to answer this?" dialog opens.
- Click Explore with map on the option you want. SciNodes builds the map and opens a chat about it.
The options dialog works the same way as it does for the Map queries bar. See Create a map from a research question.
Ask your own question
- Type in the box at the bottom ("Ask your own research question…"). You can use up to 300 characters.
- Click Map it.
- Choose an option in the dialog, or read the answer if SciNodes replies in chat instead.
If you close the options dialog without choosing, your question waits in the Map queries bar the next time you open a map.
Categories
| Category | Typical questions |
|---|---|
| Common | A general mix, ranked for your project |
| Authors & Groups | "Who are the most influential authors in this area?" |
| Journals & Venues | "Where should I publish this work?" |
| Topics & Vocabulary | "What is the core vocabulary of this literature?" |
| Citations & Impact | "Which publications are most cited in this literature?" |
| Structure & Clusters | "Which sub-communities exist, and who bridges them?" |
| Trends & Time | "Which topics are emerging rather than established?" |
| Institutions & Places | "Which countries lead this research area?" |
| Gaps & Ideas | "Where are the gaps and under-connected topics?" |
A category with no questions yet may be hidden. Questions are ranked using your project's Current research focus, so the same category can look different in different projects.
Switch to Expert Mode
If you already know exactly which map you want, click Expert Mode at the top right of the Query Bank. See Expert Mode.
Troubleshooting
- "Loading questions…" The list is loading. Wait a moment.
- "No questions in this category yet." Pick another category.
- "Couldn't reach the question catalog." Click Try again. If it keeps failing, type your question in the box at the bottom and click Map it.
- "Ranking is off — these are samples, not matches." The list isn't ranked for your project right now. The questions still work.
FAQ
How many questions are in the catalog?
More than 100, covering themes, foundations, research fronts, people, collaboration, venues, impact, gaps, proposal writing and teaching. Many have two or three ways to answer them.
Why does one question offer several maps?
A question can often be answered from different angles, for example themes from title and abstract terms or from author keywords. Each card explains what it shows so you can choose.
Can I map a question that isn't in the catalog?
Yes. Type it in the box at the bottom and click Map it. SciNodes matches it to the closest catalog question, or suggests exploratory starting points.
Does browsing the Query Bank cost credits?
Browsing doesn't build anything. Choosing a map builds it, and the chat that opens with it uses your weekly credits. See Credits and usage.