Grey literature refers to research and information that is not formally published or widely distributed. This includes things like reports from government agencies, conference proceedings, theses and dissertations, and other types of documentation that aren’t typically indexed in traditional databases.
Published literature tends to favor studies with positive or significant results, leading to publication bias. Grey literature often includes research with null or negative results that might not make it into peer-reviewed journals. By including these sources, you can achieve a more balanced view of the evidence and avoid skewing the findings of your literature search.
Grey literature can offer access to the latest research and preliminary findings before they are formally published. This is especially useful in rapidly evolving fields where recent developments can significantly impact the overall understanding of a topic. Grey literature can aid with identifying any emerging trends or gaps that haven’t yet been addressed in published literature.