Literature Review Writing Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the key functions of a mentoring relationship?

To enforce strict adherence to rules

To reduce organizational hierarchy

To socialize proteges into an organization (correct)

To provide direct financial support

What is a crucial component of a literature review's methodology?

The statistical analysis of data across unrelated studies

A thorough examination of random anecdotal evidence

An exhaustive review of every existing article on the topic

A detailed description of the literature searching process (correct)

How should a literature review be structured in terms of length?

It varies greatly depending on the type of document produced (correct)

It should always be concise, regardless of the context

It should remain the same length for all types of documents

It must be exhaustive to ensure complete coverage

What should a writer avoid in a literature review to ensure clarity?

Employing jargon and technical language excessively Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be avoided when writing a literature review?

Including advertising resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of synthesizing information in a literature review?

To integrate works reviewed and present a cohesive understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is least important when developing a research question for a literature review?

Focusing solely on the opinions of experts in the field Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when organizing a literature review?

Highlighting concepts and themes Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when reviewing related studies in a literature review?

Critical appraisal of current research and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice when including older studies in a literature review?

Including as background information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommendation for writing a literature review?

Cite works that are relevant to the specific issue Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sources should primarily be used for references in a literature review?

Peer-reviewed journal articles Signup and view all the answers

How should a literature review be structured to enhance reader understanding?

In a logical and sequential manner Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an inappropriate method for reporting studies in a literature review?

Providing a summary without citations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of presenting a literature review?

To justify the design of a new study Signup and view all the answers

What tense should a literature review generally be written in?

Present tense Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literature Review Objectives

Base the review on primary sources (cited studies only)
Include study results and conclusions from cited studies
Avoid secondary sources (except in rare cases)
Include introductions and literature reviews from cited studies
Use current references (mostly within the last 5 years)
Older landmark studies may be included (with context).
Avoid resources advertising products or services
Rely on scholarly, peer-reviewed journals (not predatory ones)
Use textbooks for broad background understanding
Use popular literature (non-peer reviewed sources) sparingly
Offer an overview & critical evaluation of relevant work
Present a logical and clear narrative justifying the study & design.
Utilize existing resources methodically supporting the study's purpose, maintaining logical and sequential flow.
Write in present tense (as it summarizes current research)
Avoid personal opinions; only include a couple of sentences without specific citations.
Combine similar studies instead of listing them separately.

Literature Review Content and Structure

Focus on concepts, not just who said what; group related information.
Organize content by themes to draw connections between different sources
Synthesize findings (combine and summarize) relevant information to support or refute positions.
Present a flow of ideas and concepts from cited sources
Highlight similarities and differences based on multiple sources
Facilitate comprehension by linking ideas between sources
Use appropriate phrasing to connect concepts and present relationships
Explicitly state the purpose and component parts of a literature review.
Include an introduction, background, scope, and description of the population
Include a methodology section covering the literature search process.
Review related studies, including their design and results.
Critically evaluate relevant current research and knowledge related to the topic.
Synthesize and integrate previously reviewed work with a justification statement and a summary of the study's purpose.

Literature Review Considerations

Length is variable depending on the target document type
A thorough review is not always necessary; be selective
Consider your audience's existing knowledge of the topic.
Only use citations that directly relate to the topic.
Present a focused and specific case for understanding the subject.
The review structure should incorporate the specific elements and details of the study.
Focus on writing clearly, concisely and avoid jargon, wordiness, redundancy, and colloquialisms.
Consider the historical context and where current research stands in relation to existing research.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential objectives for conducting a literature review based on primary sources. It emphasizes the importance of current references, peer-reviewed journals, and the need for a logical and clear narrative. Ideal for students and researchers looking to enhance their literature review skills.