Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. But that's what database searching is all about. They actually have some real experience doing this. My favorite means of active learning is called concept mapping.
Concept mapping is a graphical representation of what is known.
It is very often used in the sciences, and that is how I learned about it. I've discovered that when I have to teach a class, I will often do a concept map myself, to see how well I know a topic. Often I discover that I really don't have a grasp on an issue. I don't know where this fits in my scheme of information. Then I have to go back and do some more research.