Literature review ,source of lecture review

Importance, purposes, and Functions Literature Reviews

Types of literature reviewing

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Literature Reviews

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Literature Reviews

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What is LR?

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 Literature Reviews …
 A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing
research, writings, & studies on a particular topic or area of
interest.
 Literature reviews provide you with a handy guide to a particular
topic. If you have limited time to conduct research, literature
reviews can give you an overview or act as a stepping stone.
 Literature reviews also provide a solid background for a research
paper's investigation.
 Comprehensive knowledge of the literature of the field is
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 Literature Reviews …
 A literature review is the effective evaluation of selected documents on
a research topic.

 A review may form an essential part of the research process or may

constitute a research project in itself.

 In the context of a research paper or thesis the literature review is a

critical synthesis of previous research.

 The evaluation of the literature leads logically to the research question.

 Literature can include books, journal articles, internet (electronic

journals), newspapers, magazines, theses and dissertations, conference
proceedings, reports, and documentaries. 6
 Literature Reviews …
 Literature review is the pivotal element of a research
project.

 It connects your planned work to previous work,

 it connects your specific topic to the wider subject area, and

 it connects your specific findings to the findings of others.

 It is very much an inclusive activity in the sense that, if

undertaken properly, you become a part of the academic
community who can speak and write with confidence and
authority on a specific research problem 7
 Literature Reviews …
 A literature review is the effective evaluation of selected
documents on a research topic.

 A review may form an essential part of the research process or

may constitute a research project in itself.

 In the context of a research paper or thesis the literature review

is a critical synthesis of previous research.

 The evaluation of the literature leads logically to the research

question.

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 Purpose of literature review ..
The purpose of a literature review is for you to take a critical
look at the literature (facts and views) that already exists in the
area you are researching.

A literature review is not a shopping list of everything that

exists, but a critical analysis that shows an evaluation of the
existing literature and a relationship between the different
works.

It demonstrates the relevance of the research.

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 Purpose of literature review ..

 A literature review is the effective evaluation of selected

documents on a research topic.

 A review may form an essential part of the research process or

may constitute a research project in itself.

 In the context of a research paper or thesis the literature review

is a critical synthesis of previous research.

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 Purpose of literature review ..
In a broader context Hart (1998) lists the following purposes of a
review:

 Distinguishing what has been done from what needs to be

done;

 Discovering important variables relevant to the topic;

 Synthesizing and gaining a new perspective;

 Identifying relationships between ideas and practice;

 Establishing the context of the topic or problem;

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 The literature review serves several important functions:

 It demonstrates one’s knowledge of the research problem.

 It demonstrates the student ‘s understanding of the theoretical and
research issues related to the research question.
 It shows the student ‘s ability to critically evaluate relevant literature
information.
 It indicates the student’s ability to integrate and synthesize the existing
literature.
 It provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the
conceptual framework for the research.
 It convinces the students reader that the proposed research will make a
significant and substantial contribution to the literature (i.e., resolving
an important theoretical issue or filling a major gap in the literature)

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 Literature Reviews …
 A literature review is the effective evaluation of selected
documents on a research topic.

 A review may form an essential part of the research process or

may constitute a research project in itself.

 In the context of a research paper or thesis the literature review

is a critical synthesis of previous research.

 The evaluation of the literature leads logically to the research

question.

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Secondary source

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Prof.D.Ilangovan, HD Commerce AU
18-04-2020 15
Type of literature review

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 Literature Reviews …
 A literature review is the effective evaluation of selected
documents on a research topic.

 A review may form an essential part of the research process or

may constitute a research project in itself.

 In the context of a research paper or thesis the literature review

is a critical synthesis of previous research.

 The evaluation of the literature leads logically to the research

question.

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Prof.D.Ilangovan, HD Commerce AU
18-04-2020 19
 What should I do before writing the literature review?
 Clarify
 If your assignment is not very specific, seek clarification from your

supervisor/lecturer:

 Roughly how many sources should you include?

 What types of sources (books, journal articles, websites)?

 Should you summarize, synthesize, or critique your sources by

discussing a common theme or issue?

 Should you evaluate your sources?

 Should you provide subheadings and other background information,

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 What should I do before writing the literature review?
Find models
 Look for other literature reviews in your area of interest or in the

discipline and read them to get a sense of the types of themes you
might want to look for in your own research or ways to organize
your final review. You can simply put the word "review" in your
search engine along with your other topic terms to find articles of
this type on the Internet or in an electronic database. The
bibliography or reference section of sources you've already read are
also excellent entry points into your own research.
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 What should I do before writing the literature review?

Narrow your topic

There are hundreds or even thousands of articles and books on

most areas of study. The narrower your topic, the easier it will
be to limit the number of sources you need to read in order to
get a good survey of the material. Your instructor will probably
not expect you to read everything that's out there on the topic,
but you'll make your job easier if you first limit your scope.

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 What should I do before writing the literature review?

Consider whether your sources are current

 Some disciplines require that you use information that is as

current as possible. In the sciences, for instance, treatments

for medical problems are constantly changing according to
the latest studies. Information even two years old could be
obsolete.

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 What should I do before writing the literature review?

Find a focus

This means that you will not just simply list your sources but

go into detail about each one of them, one at a time.

As you read widely but selectively in your topic area, consider

instead what themes or issues connect your sources together.

Do they present one or different solutions?

Is there an aspect of the field that is missing.

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 What should I do before writing the literature review?

Construct a working thesis statement

 Then use the focus you've found to construct a thesis

statement.

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 …

Consider organization
 You've got a focus, and you've narrowed it down to a
thesis statement.
 Now what is the most effective way of presenting the
information?
 What are the most important topics, subtopics, etc., that
your review needs to include?
 And in what order should you present them?

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 …
 Develop an organization for your review at both a global and local
level:

 First, cover the basic categories

 Just like most academic papers, literature reviews also must contain

at least three basic elements: an introduction or background

information section; the body of the review containing the
discussion of sources; and, finally, a conclusion and/or
recommendations section to end the paper.

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 …the reader with the scale
Introduction: should provide

and structure of your review. It serves as a kind of map.

Gives a quick idea of the topic of the literature review, such as
the central theme or organizational pattern.

Body: Contains your discussion of sources and is organized

either chronologically, thematically, or methodologically (see
below for more information on each). depends on how you
have organised your key points.
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 …
 The conclusion of the review needs to sum up the main findings of your

research into the literature. Discuss what you have drawn from

reviewing literature so far. Where might the discussion proceed?

 The findings can be related to the aims of the study you are proposing to
do. The reader is thus provided with a coherent background to the
current study.

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 What should you write?
the accepted facts in the area

the popular opinion

the main variables

the relationship between concepts and variables

shortcomings in the existing findings

limitations in the methods used in the existing findings

the relevance of your research

suggestions for further research in the area. 30

 …
 In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:

 Provenance—What are the author's credentials? Are the author's arguments

supported by evidence (e.g. primary historical material, case studies, narratives,

statistics, recent scientific findings)?

 Objectivity—Is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial? Is contrary

data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author's

point?

 Persuasiveness—Which of the author's theses are most/least convincing?

 Value—Are the author's arguments and conclusions convincing? Does the work

ultimately contribute in any significant way to an understanding of the subject?

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 When we review literature
 Layout

 Make your literature review have an academic and professional appearance. Here

are some points to make the look of your report appealing to the reader

 White space: leave space between sections, especially from the abstract. This
gives an uncluttered effect.

 Headings/sub-headings: these help to separate ideas.

 Text boxes: you can use these for quotations or paraphrasing to separate them
from the rest of your text. It is also pleasing to the eye.

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 When we review literature
Graphics: centre your graphics, such as diagrams or tables,
to have space around them.

Pagination: you can number pages or sections or both, but

the important thing to do is to be consistent. The cover page
normally is not numbered. The content page and abstract
page usually have a separate numbering system to the body
of your literature review.

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 When we review literature
 Language focus

 Create a balance between direct quotation (citation) and

paraphrasing. Avoid too much direct quoting. The verb tense chosen
depends on your emphasis:

 When you are citing a specific author's findings, use the past tense:

(found, demonstrated);

 When you are writing about an accepted fact, use the present tense:

(demonstrates, finds); and

 When you are citing several authors or making a general statement,

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 When we review literature
Comparison across studies
 Key points for a review may concern areas of similarities and/or

differences in:

 Research aim(s) or hypotheses

 Research design and sampling

 Instruments and procedures used

 How data were analysed

 Results or findings

 Interpretations

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Tips on writing

Sentences
…
Express one idea in a sentence. Ensure that all your sentences have
a subject, verb and object.

Group sentences that express and develop one aspect of your topic.
Paragraphs
Use a new paragraph for another aspect or another topic.

Use sentences and paragraphs with appropriate use of commas,

Consistent Grammar colours and semi-colours. Incorrect use of punctuation can affect
the meaning.

Use words that link paragraphs and which show contrast and
Transition Words development to your argument e.g. ‘hence’, ‘therefore’, ‘but’,
‘thus’, ‘as a result’, ‘in contrast’.
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 …
 Pitfalls /draw backs
- Vagueness due to too much or inappropriate generalisations
- Limited range
- Insufficient information
- Irrelevant material
- Omission of contrasting view
- Omission of recent work

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 Final checklist
…
 Have I fulfilled the purpose of the literature review?

 Is it written at a level appropriate to its audience?

 Are its facts correct?

 Is all the information included relevant?

 Are the layout and presentation easy on the eye?

 Is the language clear, concise and academic?

 Does the abstract summarise the entire review?

 Does the introduction adequately introduce the topic?

 Is the body organised logically?

 Does the conclusion interpret, analyse and evaluate?

 Are the recommendations reasonable?

 Does table of contents correspond with the actual contents? Are page numbers correct?
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 Have I acknowledged all sources of information through correct referencing?