Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a critical aspect to consider when selecting databases for literature searches?
What is a critical aspect to consider when selecting databases for literature searches?
Which of the following is an unethical practice in literature review writing?
Which of the following is an unethical practice in literature review writing?
What purpose does a literature review serve in the context of research?
What purpose does a literature review serve in the context of research?
Which statement accurately describes the ethical use of sources in literature reviews?
Which statement accurately describes the ethical use of sources in literature reviews?
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What characteristic is essential when constructing paragraphs in a literature review?
What characteristic is essential when constructing paragraphs in a literature review?
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What is one primary purpose of conducting a literature review in research?
What is one primary purpose of conducting a literature review in research?
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Which component of a literature review summarizes and evaluates the current state of knowledge in the field?
Which component of a literature review summarizes and evaluates the current state of knowledge in the field?
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How should the sources for a literature review be chosen?
How should the sources for a literature review be chosen?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for conducting a literature review?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for conducting a literature review?
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What is essential to include in the introduction of a literature review?
What is essential to include in the introduction of a literature review?
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Study Notes
Literature Review: Purpose and Structure
- Literature review is a summary of existing research on a topic, taken from various sources like books, articles, journals and reports.
- Aims to show how the current research connects to previous studies.
- The review:
- Outlines the existing knowledge and evaluates the evidence.
- Shows the relationship between different studies.
- Identifies gaps in existing research.
- Addresses contradictions in previous studies.
- Prevents redundant efforts.
- Suggests areas for further research.
Literature Review Sources
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Common sources for a literature review include:
- Libraries
- Online databases (journals, studies)
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Selection of sources depends on the research topic and the need to support evidence.
Literature Review Components
- Literature reviews have distinct parts:
- Introduction: Explains the topic and its significance.
- Body: Summarizes and evaluates existing research, presenting different viewpoints.
- Conclusion: Presents a summary of findings, their implications, and current state of the field.
- References: Lists all cited sources.
Steps in Conducting a Literature Review
- Choose a research topic and define a research question. The question should guide the review, not just list all research within an area. Review and synthesis is key.
- Determine the scope of the review. (How many studies? How recent? How comprehensive?) Based on your research question.
- Select databases for searching. Comprehensive databases are often best. Create a list.
- Conduct searches, tracking progress and preventing repetition. Review abstract carefully. Use bibliographies. Ask for help if needed.
- Critically review the literature.
- Does the reviewed research align with your research question?
- Could funding have influenced the findings?
- Analyze methodologies, sample sizes, variables used, and conclusions. Did the study have gaps?
- Identify contradicting ideas.
- Assess the reputation and citations of the authors.
Ethical Considerations in Literature Review
- Modern technology allows easy access to information. This encourages the "copy-and-paste" method.
- Academic integrity demands proper citation, using quotation marks for copied text. Avoiding plagiarism is essential.
- Using citation management software avoids plagiarism. Proper citation for sources builds trust and reputation.
Example Literature Review Activities
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Recognizing Literature: Examples of literature include monographs, journal articles, empirical studies, theses/dissertations, statistical handbooks, conference proceedings and government reports.
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Describing Literature Review:
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A literature review is:* an evaluation of existing research.
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A literature review is not:* original research, a personal opinion.
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Analyzing Literature Review Statements: Is the statement about literature reviews true or false and explain why?
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Description
Explore the essential components and purposes of a literature review in research. This quiz covers the structure, sources, and evaluation of existing research related to a specific topic. Test your understanding of how literature reviews connect current studies with previous ones and identify research gaps.