Crafting a Literature Review

A literature review summarizes existing knowledge in a specific research area, not to answer the research question directly, rant about views, or list what one has read.

Literature reviews use diverse sources like peer-reviewed journal articles, books, chapters, textbooks, conference papers, theses, official statistics, etc.

Identifying an area of research by considering existing work, and recognizing that most areas have been explored already. This process involves building on existing knowledge.

Electronic tools that aid research by quickly locating information, although they may have limitations

Key words to identify relevant sources using search engines or by reviewing references in scholarly work.

Sources (like magazines, newspapers, websites) needing careful consideration, as their quality may be lower and their validity may not equal peer-reviewed sources.

Following appropriate referencing conventions for all sources, particularly online ones, to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

Wikipedia is not a reliable source for academic research due to unverified content and a lack of peer review.

Critically assessing the trustworthiness and reliability of sources used for research.

Academic work reviewed by experts in the field before publication. This enhances credibility.

Forming and refining a research topic using initial literature reviews.

Identifying relevant and irrelevant material while keeping peripheral details in mind.

Recognizing recurring ideas or concepts from your literature during research.

Using themes found in literature to narrow down your research focus further.

Questions regarding source quality to establish research trust. Examples include: the source's base of research, how much trust you can have in the source, research study type and size, and conclusions made by the research.

Structuring literature by themes or topics to focus research while keeping a range of perspectives.

Not in Education, Employment, or Training

Students who have been removed from school for reasons beyond their control.

Tools to organize and manage research sources (e.g., Refworks, Endnote).

A question that aims to find answers through research.

Methodical approach to collecting and categorizing research findings.

Combining information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive understanding.

Learners' past experiences while in school.

Students' intentions or aspirations for their life after school.

A writing style that confidently conveys the author's expertise and arguments.

Thoroughly examining and combining different sources to create a deeper understanding of the research topic and draw meaningful conclusions.

Using a consistent and accurate citation style throughout your writing to give credit to all sources and avoid plagiarism.

A literature review should have a clear goal, outlining the key themes and arguments you will explore to answer your research question.

Clearly defining and distinguishing the meanings of important research terms to ensure reader understanding.

A literature review lacking a clear argument, critical analysis, and a consistent voice, making it difficult to understand the author's point.

Examining how research builds on existing knowledge and progresses over time, highlighting connections and changes.

The ongoing discussion and analysis of various aspects of the educational system, including its structure, policies, and impact on individuals.

A compelling presentation of evidence and reasoning that aims to persuade readers about a particular claim or perspective.

Steps or stages in a written argument that build upon each other, leading the reader logically towards a conclusion.

The smooth and logical connection between ideas in a piece of writing, ensuring that one thought naturally leads to the next.

Writing that is boring, overly formal, and lacks engagement, often using complex language and a lack of creativity.

The specific problem or question that a research study aims to explore and address. It is the central theme driving the research.

Narrowing down your research from a broad topic to a specific and manageable question. It helps you delve deeper into the chosen area.

To ensure your research paper presents a clear and convincing argument, making it more impactful and persuasive to readers.

Recurring concepts or ideas that emerge from your literature review, indicating common threads in a research area.

When families with more resources and support can choose better schools for their children, creating an unequal educational system.

No review or research is completely free from bias or perspective. Always remember the researcher's viewpoint is present.

Some sources are more reliable than others in academic research. Peer-reviewed journal articles and books are generally more credible than newspapers or websites.

A balanced argument includes various viewpoints and sources, not just those that support your own stance.

Analyzing, selecting, and organizing relevant sources to create a well-structured argument. It's an ongoing process.

When you're reading research, you go beyond the surface meaning to understand the author's ideas and how they link to your argument.

Your literature review is not a one-time process. It requires multiple drafts and revisions to shape it into the best possible argument.

Like a story, your literature review should have a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.