3. What is literature review?
Use of ideas in the literature to justify:
the particular approach to the topic,
the selection of methods, and
demonstration that this research contributes something new.
An effective and quality literature review is one that:
demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth,
rigor & consistency,
clarity & brevity and
effective analysis & synthesis.
Creates a firm foundation for advancing knowledge, facilitates
theory development, closes gaps in literature & uncover areas
where research is still needed
Systematic and traditional literature reviews
Rigorous, well defined approach to reviewing literature
NB: This is an essential part of your research paper!!
4. Why conduct a literature review?
to identify gaps in the literature
to avoid reinventing the wheel
to carry on from where others have already reached (reviewing the field allows
you to build on the platform of existing knowledge and ideas)
to show your ability to critically evaluate, integrate and synthesis relevant &
existing literature
to increase your breadth of knowledge of your subject area
to provide the intellectual context for your own work, enabling you to
position your project relative to other work
to identify opposing views
to identify information and ideas that may be relevant to your project
to identify methods that could be relevant to your project
to keep up with recent developments in your area of research
Illustrates the importance of the topic
Shows the lack of research on the topic
5. The literature review process
Select a research topic
Identify and gather the relevant literature
Read and analyse the relevant literature (literature
review processing)
Write the review
References
NB: we have already covered the first step!!
6. Identify and gather the relevant
literature
Comprehensiveness and relevance are key
Use library and internet mostly
Key word searches most common
Identify landmark or classic studies and theorists as these
provide you with a framework/context for your study
Developments in the area you are studying
Only gather relevant and key literature for your study
Preview of articles and dividing it into themes, theories or
categories
Look for original ideas or theories/ authors
Standard: about 10 to 20 quality articles
7. Read and analyse the relevant
literature
Reading the articles:
Read the easier articles first. Read the difficult, condensed or poorly
written articles last
Scan the article by identifying the research question, specific
hypothesis, the findings, the interpretation of findings
Preview, Question, Read, Summarise (PQRS system) (Cohen, 1990)
Read for in-depth understanding. Identify precise methods used and
theories tested.
Group articles according to theories, ideas, methodology etc.
Identify major trends or patterns
Identify gaps in the literature, and reflect on why these might exist
Keep your analysis focused on your topic
Summarise the literature in table or concept map format!!
8. Literature review: processing
Know the material
Demonstrated by activities such as listing, defining describing and
identifying
At the very least, you should show you have read the article and
extracted meaningful information
Comprehend the material
Demonstrated by activities such as summarizing, differentiating,
interpreting and contrasting
You at least know the meaning and significance of the information
Apply
Demonstrated by activities such as illustrating, solving, relating
and classifying
At least show you know the meaning , significance and capability
and ability to use the information
9. Literature review: processing
contie.
Analyse
Demonstrated by activities such as separating, connecting
comparing, selecting and explaining
It entails why the information being presented is of importance
Synthesise
entails activities such as combining integrating, modifying,
rearranging, designing, composing and generalising
The essence being to assemble literature on a concept into a
whole that exceeds the sum parts
Evaluate
Includes activities such as assessing, deciding, recommending
selecting, judging explaining discriminating supporting and
concluding
So as to clearly distinguish among opinions, theories, and empirical
facts.
10. Writing the literature review
Structure and organisation of information in an objective
manner is very crucial
Ideas should flow, clearly demonstrate your knowledge and
consistency
It should read like a critical evaluation of the information
available on the topic
Consensus or differences, inconsistencies or contradictions,
strengths and weaknesses should be outlined
Avoid just summarising!!
Analyse, apply, synthesis and evaluate information
The literature review has an introduction, body and
conclusion
11. Working with literature: Tips
FIND IT
Using available resource
Honing your research skills
MANAGE IT
Read efficiently
Keep track of references
Highlight important information
USE IT
Choose your topic
Arguing your rationale, inform your study with theory, design methodology
REVIEW IT
Understand the review’s purpose,
ensure adequate coverage,
write purposefully
Work on style and tone
12. Most problems encountered when
writing literature review (check
list)
Lack of organisation or structure
Lack of focus, unity and coherence
Being repetitive and verbose
Failing to cite influential papers
Failing to keep up with recent developments
Failing to critically evaluate cited papers
Citing irrelevant or trivial papers
Depending too much on secondary sources
