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ace your literature review
the literature review
A well-crafted literature review forms the backbone of your dissertation, providing the scholarly foundation upon which your research stands. This presentation will guide you through the essential elements of creating a literature review that not only demonstrates your command of existing knowledge but also clearly positions your work within your field.
We'll explore these techniques to help you avoid common pitfalls and develop a robust framework for your dissertation. By learning these approaches, you'll create a literature review that seamlessly connects to your research question and methodology.
what is a literature review
purpose and significance
Foundation of Knowledge
The literature review establishes your scholarly foundation by demonstrating familiarity with the body of knowledge in your field. It shows how your research builds upon existing work while avoiding unnecessary duplication of previous studies.
Contextual Framework
By placing your research question within the broader academic conversation, the literature review provides essential context. It helps readers understand how your work addresses specific gaps or extends current understanding in meaningful ways.
Methodological Justification
A thorough review of literature supports your methodological choices by showing awareness of approaches used in similar research. This strengthens your rationale for specific research designs and analytical techniques.
Finding Relevant Sources
Navigating the Research Maze: Expert Tips for Finding Quality Sources
Begin with a broad search to understand the landscape, then progressively narrow your focus. Document your search strategy meticulously to demonstrate thoroughness and facilitate updates as your research evolves.
Identify Specialized Databases
Go beyond general search engines to discipline-specific databases like JSTOR, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, or PsycINFO. University libraries provide access to subscription-based resources that contain peer-reviewed literature crucial for scholarly work.
Develop Effective Search Strategies
Construct precise search strings using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), quotation marks for exact phrases, and asterisks for word variations. Create a systematic approach to keyword combinations to ensure comprehensive coverage of your topic.
Follow Citation Trails
Use both backward and forward citation tracking. Examine bibliographies of relevant articles to find older foundational works (backward tracking). Use citation indexes to identify newer papers that have cited key sources (forward tracking).
Evaluate Source Quality
Assess sources based on authority (author credentials), currency (publication date), methodology (rigor), and relevance to your specific research question. Prioritize peer-reviewed journal articles while selectively incorporating high-quality books and conference proceedings.
Identifying Gaps in the Literature
Additional Information
Methodological Limitations
Identify shortcomings in research designs, sampling approaches, or analytical techniques that limit the validity or generalizability of existing findings. These may include small sample sizes, non-representative populations, or outdated statistical methods.
Contextual Boundaries
Recognize geographical, cultural, or temporal constraints in current research. Studies concentrated in Western contexts may not apply to other regions; historical findings may require contemporary validation given societal changes.
Theoretical Inconsistencies
Highlight contradictory findings or competing explanations that remain unresolved. These theoretical tensions often signal opportunities for conceptual clarification or integration through your research.
Understudied Populations
Note when certain demographic groups or contexts are systematically excluded from existing research. Your work can address equity concerns by focusing on these underrepresented perspectives.
Organizing Your Literature Review
Chronological Structure
methodological structure
Chronological Structure
Organizes literature by publication date to show the historical development of your topic. Effective for fields with clear evolutionary patterns or paradigm shifts.
thematic structure
methodological structure
Chronological Structure
Groups sources by conceptual similarities or research themes. Creates a coherent narrative by highlighting relationships between different aspects of your topic.
methodological structure
methodological structure
methodological structure
Categorizes research based on approaches or techniques used. Useful when comparing the effectiveness of different methodologies in addressing similar questions.
theoretical structure
methodological structure
methodological structure
Organizes literature according to theoretical frameworks or perspectives. Highlights conceptual debates and competing explanations within your field.
LITERATURE REVIEW LENGTH AND DEPTH
Length
The appropriate length for your literature review depends on your discipline, research question complexity, and the overall size of your dissertation. Rather than focusing exclusively on page count, prioritize comprehensiveness and relevance. Cover all significant perspectives while maintaining a clear connection to your research question.
Depth
Depth often matters more than breadth. It's better to thoroughly analyze fewer sources that are directly relevant than to superficially mention many tangentially related works. Consult successful dissertations in your department to understand disciplinary expectations regarding length and depth.
Common literature review mistakes to avoid
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