SLRMentor: An LLM-Based Tool Supporting Learning of SLR in Software Engineering
For novice researchers in software engineering, this tool addresses the challenge of learning SLR methodology, though the contribution is incremental as it applies existing LLM capabilities to a specific educational domain.
SLRMentor is an LLM-based tool that helps software engineering students learn and execute systematic literature review planning, with pilot validation showing it clarifies the process and lowers barriers for novices.
This paper presents SLRMentor, a conversational assistant designed to support both learning about the systematic literature review process and the execution of planning activities in software engineering. The tool offers general guidance on SLR methodology and supports key planning tasks, including search string construction and reasoning about inclusion and exclusion criteria, with explanations grounded in established SLR guidelines. A pilot validation with graduate students suggests that SLRMentor helps clarify the SLR process and planning decisions, lowers initial barriers for novice researchers, and supports learning while still requiring active methodological judgment.