literature review

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Permalink Reply by Fred Garlick on January 28, 2012 at 13:27

Here is a simple outline of what a literature review might look like in a project or dissertation. It in general deals with preparing for research by becoming a topic area expert thus all the following must be covered although you do not have to use these particular sub-headings. Normally there are two major areas to be covered: the direct topic such as blood and the a specific area such as PSA tests. 

In all learning there is an element of serendipity, but whilst it is important to recognise that leaning can occur at any time or place; good learner will take steps to ensure their work is systematic, structured and organized rather than haphazard. In addition, the work has to systemic so that every part contributes to and helps every other part. So in the literatures review your knowledge is on display and readers can judge if it has scholarly qualities rather that haphazard ones; betraying a poor and careless mind or a lack of real effort.

Introduction to topic area
Your Research Theme (Based on personal viewpoints/idea/Experiences etc) 
Topic aspect 1
Topic aspect 2
Topic aspect ‘n’ etc (usually about 5 to 10 topic aspects are used)
Past Research in this area
Statistical Review (if necessary)
Summary and review conclusions

Keep in mind that this work must be thorough otherwise you will simply not have the necessary knowledge to decide what data to use or how to interpret that data when you get it. It should also be noted that this is about using primary sources such as Journals, government papers, manufacturer’s guidance notes and so on although books may also be included. Please do not quote from unreliable internet though you might use sources such a Wikipedia to get you started. Finally, a review must be original to you even though you have perhaps used many other authors, it is essential that in your review explores what you have found and not simply report it. Roughly speaking, one cites a sources in some way and then you add comments of your own by way of elaboration, explanation, exploration or discussion. In summary, there is a need to be:

Exploratory – look for all the information you need.
Focus – subject areas will be too big to know everything so we focus on one or two aspects.
Scholarly – where was the information obtained? No one wants to be labelled as a plagiarizer. 
Correct – that is you need to make sure that you have validated the information/evidence.
Systematic – there should be some structural logics to the way you build up the information base.
Systemic – the work should make plain that it all fits together into a satisfying whole
Comprehensive – there is a need to be sure we have left out nothing that is important.
Questioning – think about what questions still need answering or equivalently try to be clear about any gaps.
Reflective - consider critically whether we need to change or add to what we already know.
Credible – there is a need to feel that your readers will find both you and your knowledge base as believable.

Permalink Reply by Barry White on January 30, 2012 at 20:36

Hi Ibrahim, Try 'Mapping your Thesis' (ACER Press, 2011). The book has two chapters on Lit Reviews, some of  the chapters in the book are on Google Books.

Permalink Reply by ABUBAKAR S Usman on February 1, 2012 at 23:56

All research reports use roughly the same format. It doesn't matter whether you've done a customer satisfaction survey, an employee opinion survey, a health care survey, or a marketing research survey. All have the same basic structure and format. The rationale is that readers of research reports (i.e., decision makers, funders, etc.) will know exactly where to find the information they are looking for, regardless of the individual report. Once you've learned the basic rules for research proposal and report writing, you can apply them to any research discipline. The same rules apply to writing a proposal, a thesis, a dissertation, or any business research report. And Research papers usually have five chapters with well-established sections in each chapter. Readers of the paper will be looking for these chapters and sections so you should not deviate from the standard format unless you are specifically requested to do so by the research sponsor. Most research studies begin with a written proposal. Again, nearly all proposals follow the same format. In fact, the proposal is identical to the first three chapters of the final paper except that it's written in future tense. In the proposal, you might say something like "the researchers will secure the sample from ...", while in the final paper, it would be changed to "the researchers secured the sample from ...". Once again, with the exception of tense, the proposal becomes the first three chapters of the final research paper. The most commonly used style for writing research reports is called "APA" and the rules are described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Any library or bookstore will have it readily available. Chapter II is a review of the literature. It is important because it shows what previous researchers have discovered. It is usually quite long and primarily depends upon how much research has previously been done in the area you are planning to investigate. If you are planning to explore a relatively new area, the literature review should cite similar areas of study or studies that lead up to the current research. Never say that your area is so new that no research exists. It is one of the key elements that proposal readers look at when deciding whether or not to approve a proposal. Chapter II should also contain a definition of terms section when appropriate. Include it if your paper uses special terms that are unique to your field of inquiry or that might not be understood by the general reader. "Operational definitions" (definitions that you have formulated for the study) should also be included. An example of an operational definition is: "For the purpose of this research, improvement is operationally defined as post test score minus pretest score".

Permalink Reply by Ibrahim Al-Jubari on February 2, 2012 at 1:34

Thank you all for your comments. 

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