Session 6 Flashcards
What is literature review?
surveys the existing research on a topic
provides description, summary, and critical evaluation
shows how your research fits within larger field of study
SYNTHESIS
shape sources into narrative
What is an annotated bibliography
evaluating various examples of research
Narrative review
summarize key works selected by the author
systematic reviews
review all relevant literature on a topic, as determined by formal criteria
Purpose of literature review
tells reader:
- what is already known about topic
- concepts and theories applied to it
- research methods applied to it
- controversies exist about the topic/how it has been studied
- clashes of evident if any, exist
- who key contributors are
- how research fits into a broader field of stud<
Other purposes of literature review
contribution of work
new ways to interpret existing research
reveal any gaps
resolve conflicts
avoid overlaps
highlight a need for additional research
How to select sources?
high quality
peer-reviewed
not google searches
avoid secondary sources
write about what you can discuss in your own words
key characteristics of unethical information
high fees
lack of peer review
aggressive solicitation
misleading information
3 approaches to a literature review
by themes, theoretical v empirical, chronological
By themes
conical structure
theoretical v empirical
relevant theories, research that tests the before mentioned theories
Other possibilities
strengths & weaknesses
similarities and differences
assumptions and implications
from less credible to more credible
