Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one aspect that a literature review might help to define?
What is one aspect that a literature review might help to define?
Which tool is specifically mentioned for advanced literature search?
Which tool is specifically mentioned for advanced literature search?
What is an important factor to consider when assessing a source?
What is an important factor to consider when assessing a source?
What does critical thinking involve according to the content?
What does critical thinking involve according to the content?
Signup and view all the answers
Which keyword strategy is recommended when conducting a general literature search?
Which keyword strategy is recommended when conducting a general literature search?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key outcome of effective critical analysis of sources?
What is a key outcome of effective critical analysis of sources?
Signup and view all the answers
Which is NOT a consideration when assessing the objectivity of an author?
Which is NOT a consideration when assessing the objectivity of an author?
Signup and view all the answers
What step is suggested to move from description to analysis in critical thinking?
What step is suggested to move from description to analysis in critical thinking?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of a scientific literature review?
What is the primary purpose of a scientific literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific literature review?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important to include a range of research in a literature review?
Why is it important to include a range of research in a literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
How does writing a scientific literature review benefit the writer?
How does writing a scientific literature review benefit the writer?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes what a literature review is NOT?
Which of the following best describes what a literature review is NOT?
Signup and view all the answers
In what way should a scientific literature review be structured?
In what way should a scientific literature review be structured?
Signup and view all the answers
What advantage do literature reviews provide to the scientific community?
What advantage do literature reviews provide to the scientific community?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement reflects the stance on personal opinions in a scientific literature review?
Which statement reflects the stance on personal opinions in a scientific literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of a scientific literature review's introduction?
What is the primary focus of a scientific literature review's introduction?
Signup and view all the answers
In which section of a scientific literature review should you prioritize which topics to write about?
In which section of a scientific literature review should you prioritize which topics to write about?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be emphasized when writing the main body of a scientific literature review?
What should be emphasized when writing the main body of a scientific literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a suggested method for structuring a scientific literature review?
Which of the following is NOT a suggested method for structuring a scientific literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect should be reflected in the conclusion of a literature review?
What aspect should be reflected in the conclusion of a literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
During the literature review process, how should gaps in research be handled?
During the literature review process, how should gaps in research be handled?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be included when brainstorming topics for a literature review?
What should be included when brainstorming topics for a literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is crucial for structuring the main body of the literature review?
Which of the following is crucial for structuring the main body of the literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary goal of analysis in critical thinking?
What is the primary goal of analysis in critical thinking?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of critical thinking, what should one identify to support or challenge key points?
In the context of critical thinking, what should one identify to support or challenge key points?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects a key aspect of critical evaluation?
Which of the following reflects a key aspect of critical evaluation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant consideration when assessing evidence in literature reviews?
What is a significant consideration when assessing evidence in literature reviews?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of coherence in scientific literature reviews?
What is the role of coherence in scientific literature reviews?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important to critique the experts in your field?
Why is it important to critique the experts in your field?
Signup and view all the answers
When constructing your own arguments in a literature review, what should be included?
When constructing your own arguments in a literature review, what should be included?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an important aspect of determining the flow of an argument in a review?
What is an important aspect of determining the flow of an argument in a review?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended approach for organizing key points in paragraphs?
What is the recommended approach for organizing key points in paragraphs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the suggested method for transitioning between points in a paragraph?
What is the suggested method for transitioning between points in a paragraph?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the importance of including figures or tables in a literature review?
What is the importance of including figures or tables in a literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
Where should a legend be placed in relation to figures or tables?
Where should a legend be placed in relation to figures or tables?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be included in the concluding sentence of a paragraph?
What should be included in the concluding sentence of a paragraph?
Signup and view all the answers
How many key points are suggested to tackle in each section of a literature review?
How many key points are suggested to tackle in each section of a literature review?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do when referring to a figure or table in your text?
What should you do when referring to a figure or table in your text?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of an umbrella sentence at the beginning of a paragraph?
What is the purpose of an umbrella sentence at the beginning of a paragraph?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Scientific Literature Review
- A scientific literature review is a critical analysis of published scientific research on a specific topic.
- It provides an overview of existing knowledge, highlights gaps in research, and identifies areas needing further investigation.
Goals of the Literature Review
- The goals of a scientific literature review:
- To improve the writer's understanding of the research field
- To provide fresh perspectives to an academic community
- To showcase the writer's ability to locate and critically analyze literature
- To display strong communication and writing skills
Literature Searching
- Begin with general online research to provide a basic understanding of the topic.
- Utilize Google Scholar or Books to identify existing literature reviews in your field to inform your search.
- Conduct specific searches using library databases like Web of Science to pinpoint key references for each aspect of your review.
Critical Analysis
- Provenance: Determine the credibility of the authors and their sources.
- Objectivity: Assess the fairness of the author's perspective and whether they consider opposing data.
- Persuasiveness: Evaluate the convincingness of the author's data.
- Value: Determine whether the research contributes to an understanding of the field.
Key Aspects of Critical Thinking
- Identify evidence supporting and contradicting key points.
- Detect inconsistencies and errors in an author's arguments.
- Identify bias, premature conclusions, and insufficient evidence.
- Distinguish between facts and opinions.
- Evaluate conflicting opinions and research outcomes.
Evaluating and Interpreting Literature
- Draw conclusions based on the most convincing literature.
- Form your own arguments and opinions.
- Ensure you have conducted a thorough literature search by asking:
- Did I search broadly or narrowly to capture relevant material?
- Did I critically analyze the literature?
- Did I include both supporting and opposing studies to form a well-balanced argument?
Creating a Coherent Literature Review
- Employ clear and cohesive writing that integrates important details and conveys your viewpoint.
- Address each key point individually, using subheadings for organization.
- Structure your argument logically, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas.
Organizing Your Literature Review
- Choose a principle of organization:
- Chronological: Trace the development of a topic over time (most suited for unfamiliar fields).
- Conceptual: Organize the field into clear, separate areas, each with its own development.
- Methodological: Connect research across different disciplines or fields by using qualitative/quantitative or empirical/theoretical approaches.
- Theoretical: Contrast models and definitions of key concepts, focusing on argumentation or synthesis.
Structure of a Literature Review
-
Introduction:
- Provide an overview of the topic.
- Define the objectives of the literature review.
-
Main Body:
- Critically analyze and evaluate relevant research data.
- Break down the body into sub-headings.
-
Conclusion:
- Summarize key points from your review.
Writing the Main Body
- Group research topics based on shared elements, using research to back up key points.
- Focus on recent data as scientific knowledge is continually evolving.
- Summarize studies or articles in as much or as little detail as necessary.
Tables and Figures
- Include one key figure or table per section to illustrate complex concepts, summarize data, or describe a process.
- Add a legend below images/figures and above tables.
- Refer to figures and tables in the text.
Introduction to the Literature Review
- It is often easier to write the introduction after the main body.
- Begin by introducing the topic, presenting well-established scientific facts.
- Highlight the review's importance—what are you assessing (research relevance, gaps in research, new perspectives)?
- State the core aim of your review—compare and contrast conflicting evidence, identify unexplored aspects, etc.
- Outline the topics you will address in order.
Writing the Main Body of the Literature Review
- Each paragraph should focus on a single key point.
- Start each paragraph with a strong topic sentence introducing the key point.
- Provide context, examples, or data to support the topic sentence, with citations for each point.
- Use "linker" words to connect similar ideas.
- Include opposing data to present a balanced view.
- End each paragraph with summary sentences, highlighting the significance of the information presented.
- Consider linking the concluding sentence to the next paragraph.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz delves into the essential components and goals of conducting a scientific literature review. Enhance your understanding of how to analyze existing research, identify knowledge gaps, and improve your skills in literature searching and critical analysis. Ideal for students and researchers aiming for excellence in academic writing.