Table 1.

Detailed multi-database retrieval strategy.

Database	Search domain	Core search terms	Restrictions	Search results
Web of Science	TS = (Topic)	(AI OR “artificial intelligence” OR “machine learning”) AND (gamif* OR “game-based”) AND (vocabular* OR “word learning”) AND (“primary school” OR “elementary”)	Time: 2019–2024 Language: English Document Type: Article	1,023
Scopus	TITLE-ABS-KEY	(“intelligent tutoring” OR “adaptive learning”) AND (“educational game*” OR gamification) AND (“vocabulary acquisition” OR “L2 learning”) AND (children OR “young learner*”)	Subject Area: Social Sciences Publication Stage: Final	1,156
PsycINFO	Subject Headings + Keywords	(“Computer Assisted Instruction” OR “Educational Technology”) AND (“Games” OR “Gamification”) AND (“Vocabulary” OR “Second Language Learning”) AND (“Elementary School Students” OR “Metacognition”)	Age Group: School Age Classification Code: 3500–3,599	387
ERIC	Descriptors + Keywords	(“Artificial Intelligence” OR “Adaptive Learning”) AND (“Educational Games” OR “Gamification”) AND (“Vocabulary Development” OR “English as a Second Language”) AND (“Primary Education” OR “Self-Regulation”)	Publication Type: Journal Articles Educational Level: Elementary	281