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SSW380+ Research Methods: Literature Review

Summer 2018, SSW Literature Review Strategies: Abukari, Drisko, Hull, Shklarski

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What Is a Literature Review?

Not to be confused with a book review, a literature review surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources (e.g. dissertations, conference proceedings) relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, providing a description, summary, and critical evaluation of each work. The purpose is to offer an overview of significant literature published on a topic.

From: Write a Literature Review (U.C. Santa Cruz)

A literature review is NOT a summary of the articles - that's an annotated bibliography.

Purpose of a Literature Review

  • Demonstrates to your readers how your research fits into your larger field of study. 
  • Increases your knowledge in your area of research, including seminal research and opposing viewpoints.
  • Leads to new insights and changes in practice, possible because you reviewed all available research in a particular area.
  • Helps you identify main methodologies and research techniques.
  • Allows one piece of research to be viewed within the wider context of others.
  • Enhances subject vocabulary.
  • Relates ideas and theory to applications

Structure of a Literature Review

  • Introduction
  • Each body paragraphs contains:
    • Statement that explains the information presented
    • Evidence, including summaries and citations
  • Conclusion

 

Literature Review Cover Image

 

 

 

 

 

Aveyard, H. (2014). Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide.3d ed. New York: Open University Press

Taking Notes During Your Research

  • Note the citation information
  • Summarize key points (including quotes) and note page numbers
  • Identify context or relationships to your research question
  • How is this significant?
  • Important figures (brief description and page numbers)
  • References to follow-up on

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