Writing A Literature Review When Writing A Lit Rev You Need To ✓ Solved

When writing a literature review, you need to understand its functions: it helps to justify the research topic and questions you have chosen, ascertain the importance of the topic, provide background information relevant to your study, demonstrate familiarity with the research topic, set your research as part of the chain of research in the field, be selective in which literature to include according to its relevance to the research questions, and adopt the funnel approach of starting out wide and narrowing quickly towards the specific research questions. Sources that make up the literature under review include journal articles, monographs, computerized databases, conference proceedings, empirical studies, government reports, reports from other bodies, and statistical handbooks.

Questions that should guide your literature review include: what has been done in your field of research? How are you going to order your discussion? What section headings will you use? How do the various studies relate to each other? What precise contribution do they make to the field? What are their limitations? How does your own research fit into what has already been done?

Paper For Above Instructions

Writing a literature review is an essential component of the research process across various disciplines. A well-structured literature review serves several functions, each critical in laying the foundation for any subsequent research. This paper delves into the main functions of a literature review and discusses how to organize and present it effectively.

Functions of a Literature Review

At its core, a literature review helps justify the research topic and questions a researcher has chosen to explore. By critically evaluating existing literature, researchers identify gaps in knowledge, assert the significance of their study, and aim to contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations. A literature review also provides background information essential for understanding the context of the research, showcasing the breadth of studies conducted in the field.

Additionally, a literature review demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with the topic at hand. It acts as a testament not only to their understanding of previous studies but also to their ability to engage with critical debates and methodologies surrounding the issue. Furthermore, by positioning their research within the established chain of research, scholars can frame their contributions and articulate their relevance in broader academic discourses.

A sound literature review is selective about the studies included, focusing on those most pertinent to the posed research questions. This selectivity aids in maintaining clarity, ensuring that each included work directly contributes to a deeper understanding of the topic. As a result, researchers must evaluate their chosen literature critically, gauging its relevance, reliability, and contribution to the field.

Approaching the Literature Review

The funnel approach is often recommended when writing a literature review. This method begins with broad discussions of the field, gradually narrowing down to specific issues and research questions. This strategy not only allows the researcher to present a comprehensive overview but also ensures that the final sections are focused and meaningful.

Key Questions to Consider

As one embarks on writing a literature review, several guiding questions emerge that can help keep the writing process on track. First, what has been accomplished in the field? This question serves as a springboard for understanding the landscape of existing research. Next, how will the discussion be organized? Options might include chronological, thematic, conceptual, or methodological approaches.

Moreover, it is vital to consider what section headings will best facilitate understanding for the reader. Each section should logically flow into the next, reflecting the interconnectedness of the topics discussed. Another critical question involves examining the relationships between various studies. Researchers should assess their contributions to the field, including identifying common themes and acknowledging limitations.

Finally, researchers must contemplate how their work fits within the broader framework of existing research. This connection is essential not only for grounding the current study but also for articulating its contributions to advancing knowledge within the discipline.

Challenges in Conducting Literature Reviews

While writing a literature review can be enriching, it is not without its challenges. The vast array of literature available can often be overwhelming, and researchers may grapple with the sheer volume of studies pertinent to their interests. To navigate these difficulties, effective strategies involve systematic literature searching, employing databases, and using keyword searches to filter out irrelevant studies.

Additionally, synthesizing findings from various studies can be complex, particularly when confronting conflicting viewpoints or methodologies. It is crucial to maintain an objective stance, allowing the literature to guide the analysis rather than forcing preconceived notions upon it. Researchers should embrace the iterative process of writing and revising, continually refining their arguments as they engage more deeply with the literature.

Conclusion

A well-executed literature review is vital for successful research. It not only supports the validity of one’s study but also enriches the academic community by framing essential discussions and identifying knowledge gaps. By approaching the literature review with careful planning and critical analysis, researchers can produce a coherent piece that significantly contributes to their field of study.

References

  • Baume, D. (2019). Successfully Writing a Literature Review. Journal of Academic Writing, 9(1), 12-25.

  • Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91-108.

  • Hart, C. (1998). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination. Sage Publications.

  • Levy, Y., & Ellis, T. J. (2006). Asystems approach to conducting literature reviews. Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline, 9(1), 181-212.

  • Petticrew, M., & Roberts, H. (2006). Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide. Blackwell Publishing.

  • Ridley, D. (2012). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students. Sage Publications.

  • Webster, L., & Watson, R. T. (2002). Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a literature review. MIS Quarterly, 26(2), xiii-xxiii.

  • Jesson, J. K., Matheson, L., & Lacey, F. M. (2011). Doing Your Literature Review: Traditional and Systematic Techniques. SAGE Publications.

  • Cooper, H. (2010). Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis: A Step-by-Step Approach. Sage Publications.

  • Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333-339.