Research Methods - Chapter 3 Literature Searching

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main components of a literature survey?

Field experimentation

Hypothesis formulation

Literature search (correct)

Data analysis

Which skill is closely related to conducting a literature survey?

Referencing (correct)

Field observation

Qualitative research

Statistical analysis

A literature survey serves to justify what aspect of your project?

The project rationale (correct)

The testing methodology

The budget

The timeline

Which of the following is NOT a learning objective mentioned in the chapter?

Conduct practical experiments Signup and view all the answers

What can significantly influence the outcome of a computing project at the research degree level?

Initial investigative work Signup and view all the answers

Which topic is NOT explicitly listed as a part of the chapter?

Field experiment design Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first steps in building a solid foundation for your research project?

Undertake a literature survey Signup and view all the answers

Which is an essential aspect when managing information obtained during a literature search?

Properly organizing references Signup and view all the answers

What does a literature search primarily involve?

Systematic gathering of published information. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a literature survey involves managing and digesting research material?

Literature search Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a golden rule for performing a literature search?

Allow ample time for the research. Signup and view all the answers

What must researchers ensure when collecting materials during a literature search?

Make note of the full reference of any material obtained. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of a literature review as part of the literature survey?

Written understanding and critical evaluation of the gathered material. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes plagiarism in the context of research?

Using the work of others without proper attribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential about the articles chosen for literature searching?

They must be specifically relevant to the research work. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT part of the literature review process?

Focusing solely on outdated research. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods - Chapter 3 (Part 1): Literature Searching

This chapter is presented in two parts.
The aims of the chapter are to introduce the skills needed to perform literature surveys.
Learning objectives include understanding the literature survey process, defining and conducting a literature search, managing information obtained, conducting critical evaluation, and writing a literature review.
Topics covered in this chapter include introduction, literature survey process, literature searching, managing information, critical evaluation, writing literature reviews, and a summary.

Introduction

In virtually all computer projects, especially research degree projects, the final submission is assessed. Evaluations include written reports, working programs, the specification document, detailed system designs, and test plans.
Initial investigative work significantly influences project success, determining whether it achieves a good mark or borders on failure.
A foundational step is a literature survey, comprising a literature search and review.
Referencing is also a crucial skill closely associated with these components.

Literature Survey Process

The literature survey consists of two key elements.
1. Literature search: This involves the process of finding, organising, and evaluating literature relevant to a subject area.
1. Literature review: This entails understanding, critically evaluating, and presenting the gathered information to a wider audience.
The literature survey procedure involves defining and refining a research query. This, in turn, directs further literature searching for relevant materials.
Assessment of gathered material is key to successful literature review, followed by report writing.
This chapter defines, describes, and explains the entire literature survey process, including each stage of the process and how to approach each step effectively.

Literature Searching

A systematic methodology used to collect existing knowledge and insights on a given topic or subject.
It involves identifying, locating, and retrieving publications.
Two essential guidelines for conducting a literature search are: allocating sufficient time, and meticulously recording every reference used.
A literature search requires prioritizing relevant articles and books specifically related to the current work. Updating the search to include recent research outputs is equally important.
Avoid plagiarism throughout the process

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Description

Explore the essential skills for conducting literature searches as outlined in Chapter 3 of Research Methods. This quiz covers the literature survey process, information management, critical evaluation, and writing literature reviews, aiming to enhance understanding of effective research practices.