RESRCH280

Questions and Answers

What is the main objective of identifying a focus in the planning stage of a literature review?

To increase the complexity of the review

To enhance personal opinions

To include as many sources as possible

To eliminate irrelevant information (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a type of literature review mentioned in the planning stage?

Methodology

Qualitative

Quantitative

Historical (correct)

What is the primary characteristic of primary sources used in a literature review?

They contain first-hand information (correct)

They include second-hand accounts

They summarize existing information

They are written for a broad audience

When summarizing sources, which aspect is NOT typically analyzed?

The author's personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What role does the analysis play in a literature review?

To make arguments about a body of research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes secondary sources in literature reviews?

Descriptions or discussions of information from original sources Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key aspects to focus on when assessing existing research?

Understanding both individual sources and the body of research Signup and view all the answers

Which type of materials should be selected during the reading and research phase of a literature review?

Sources that are comprehensive and relevant to the thesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks involves evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of literature?

Critique Signup and view all the answers

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

To summarize key findings and integrate ideas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the synthesis process?

Integrating and connecting multiple studies to highlight trends Signup and view all the answers

What type of literature review task focuses on identifying common methodologies used in studies?

Synthesize Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT typically included in a critique of literature?

Presenting new theories unassociated with any studies Signup and view all the answers

In the context of literature reviews, what does it mean to compare studies?

To analyze and discuss their similarities and differences Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of failing to address evidence that is inconclusive in a critique?

Overlooked gaps in the understanding of the subject Signup and view all the answers

What does 'summarizing' literature primarily involve?

Providing a concise version of key findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Distant to Close organization method?

It groups studies based on their relevance to current research. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of topical organization is most useful when there are clear opposing positions in literature?

Debate Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Chronological organization method?

It organizes studies based on their historical development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of a Seminal Study organization method?

To describe an extremely important study first. Signup and view all the answers

Which typical language is associated with the Debate organization method?

The first model posits three distinct arguments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of an introduction in a literature review?

To demonstrate the importance of the research topic. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is NOT typically associated with Distant to Close organization?

Organizing studies chronologically. Signup and view all the answers

Which language formulation is likely to be found in the Chronological organization method?

In (date), Y extended X’s work by... Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct format for listing a single author's name in a reference entry?

Last name first, followed by author initials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates the proper usage of 'and' when listing two authors?

Use an ampersand (&) instead of 'and' Signup and view all the answers

When listing multiple articles by the same author, how should they be organized?

Chronologically from earliest to most recent Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to format entries with three to twenty authors?

List all authors separated by commas, with an ampersand before the last Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when an author appears both as a sole author and as part of a group?

The sole author entry comes first Signup and view all the answers

What type of indentation is required for all lines after the first line in a reference list entry?

Hanging indentation of one-half inch Signup and view all the answers

How should reference list entries be organized?

By the author's last name in alphabetical order Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with references that have no dates in comparison to those with dates?

List them before any references with dates Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to cite two works by the same author published in the same year?

Use lower-case letters with the year to distinguish them. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are using someone else's idea that is not common knowledge?

Cite the source appropriately. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended regarding the use of quotations in academic writing?

Introduce quotations effectively and use them sparingly. Signup and view all the answers

How should the reference list be formatted at the end of an essay?

Start on a new page with the title 'References' centered and bold. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for citations in academic writing?

Cite all sources mentioned in the reference list within the text. Signup and view all the answers

When quoting a source, how should it be presented?

Presented with proper citation and surrounded by quotation marks. Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about citations might lead to plagiarism?

Paraphrasing is enough if the idea is restated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a reference list in academic writing?

To provide information for readers to locate cited sources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Planning a Literature Review

Focus: Define specific thesis, problem, or research question guiding the review; helps in sorting and eliminating irrelevant information.
Type: Identify type of literature review being conducted, such as Theory, Methodology, Policy, Quantitative, or Qualitative.
Scope: Determine the breadth of the review and the types of sources to be included.
Academic Discipline: Specify the field(s) relevant to the literature review.

Reading and Research

Material Collection: Gather and read pertinent materials, summarizing key aspects.
Author Analysis: Consider author identity, purpose, theoretical perspective, intended audience, and how their position is supported.
Relevance Check: Ensure selected books and articles are pertinent to your research project.

Sources of Information

Primary Resources: First-hand accounts such as diaries, speeches, research articles, and creative works.
Secondary Sources: Works summarizing or discussing information from primary sources; useful for definitions and historical context.

Analyzing Existing Research

Argument Presentation: A literature review should provide an argument about the research body, evaluating both individual sources and the overall research landscape.
Analysis Tasks: include Summarizing, Synthesizing, Critiquing, and Comparing sources.

Summary and Synthesis

Key Findings: Summarize relevant findings in your own words; identify immediate area knowledge, key arguments, and methodologies.
Example Language: Use consistent phrases to reference studies and findings.

Comparison and Critique

Evaluation: Assess strengths and weaknesses among different studies; identify gaps, inconsistencies, and methodological concerns.
Language Usage: Utilize specific phrase structures to present critiques effectively.

Organization Patterns in Literature Review

Distant to Close: Group studies from general similarities to those closely related to current research.
Debates: Highlight differing research strands that openly critique one another, often beneficial for controversial topics.
Chronological Development: Organize studies based on historical progression, indicating significant changes over time.
Seminal Study: Focus on a key influential study, with subsequent research organized around its foundational work.

Writing the Introduction and Conclusion

Introduction: State scope, background, research importance, and overview of the discussion.
Conclusion: Wrap up findings and reiterate significance.

Citing Sources

APA Guidelines: Cite all non-original ideas; paraphrase effectively and use quotations sparingly; ensure in-text citations match references.
Multiple Works by One Author: Use lower-case letters to differentiate works published in the same year.

References Formatting

Reference List: Begin on a new page, label as "References," and use hanging indentation.
Alphabetization: Order references by the last name of the first author; group multiple works by the same author chronologically.
Author Format: Use last names first, followed by initials; structure for one, two, and multiple authors described clearly.

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Description

This quiz guides you through the essential steps in writing a literature review, focusing on planning and identifying the type of review you are conducting. Learn how to define your thesis, organize information, and determine the focus of your work. Discover various types of literature reviews, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.