How To Write A Literature Review
How to Write a Literature Review - Top Tips
SYNOPSIS
This dissertation focuses the wider process of preparing a literature review, in doing so consideration is given to the research process, time framing and coherence in research processes that assist the writing process.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: -
- Synopsis
- Dissertation
The literature review is the most important aspect of any research thesis, if this part is completed well the whole basis of the thesis will have sound foundations. Moreover, the hypothesis will be explored soundly against the academic and professional literature, the methodological basis of the enquiry will be framed within previous or current studies that will afford the researcher credence in their ability to explore the subject and provide further or differing viewpoints. This process will use primary sources: books, journals, papers specifically published about the subject; and secondary sources: unpublished materials, journal articles and papers that have some wider impact on the subject under review. However, the crucial requirement for the researcher is to present the current argument about the subject in the light of professional research, framed within academic opinion. The researcher at this crucial stage should not offer unfounded anecdotal opinions, or present any critical analysis from their own findings on the contrary, the process is specifically designed to frame the arguments of other renowned researchers, that can later be explored against the researchers own findings. The researcher should even if they do have some previous interested in the subject, professional or otherwise, should see themselves as a novice, whereby, allowing opinions to form naturally through the research process. The research processes for the literature review should be carefully time framed and agreed with the research supervisor, in most cases, the whole process of preparing the thesis will be framed in a GANTT chart, which will keep the researcher on track for that crucial completion date.
The most effected method of presenting a strong and coherent literature review is through the painstaking process of gathering primary literature about the subject, supported by careful analysis of each writer's opinion, linking that opinion and or findings to other writers and supporting where possible by secondary resources. This process is by far the hardest part of research, but in reality the most enjoyable, as the researcher is able to engage at the 'raw edge' of the subject under analysis, form their own opinions for later scrutiny, and find theories that agree and most often disagree with their own initial assumptions. It is crucial during this process to keep vital contact with ones research supervisor, with whom they can discuss forming opinions, concerns and areas of interest. Nevertheless, it is so easy to leave the initial subject behind in this process, as the discovery of other factual information around the subject will often widen the research sphere, or lead the researcher in to 'cul-de-sacs'. Crucially, a constant return to the research hypothesis must be a regular process, to maintain focus and momentum. During this process, the researcher should make careful notes on each primary and secondary data source. In particular, keeping a separate notebook or computer document for each, writing up notes in their own words, referencing quotations, citations and or paraphrasing of theorists concepts and/or opinions at this early stage will also assist later 'writing up' processes. Similarly, starting a computer file bibliography will also aid later processes. The most essential component to the final literature review is that the flow and nature of the document is crucially not a simple copy of someone else's hard work, but a body of work that offers a sound theoretical review of current thinking and opinion that supports the researchers findings. Some of the materials used for both primary and secondary sources might be quiet old, or dated, to avoid such materials can be a mistaken early decision, which would infringe the very nature of the growing body of opinions being formed during this research process, and therefore, should be used, while other sources are purely speculative opinions that have been dismissed in later literature because of more meaningful research. Therefore, such deductive processes are necessary to prove that the researcher has formed their own opinions and that the journey of the subject in literature is coherently explored.
The writing up process is often the hardest part of the literature review, it can be extremely time consuming, cumbersome and often decisions to include or exclude become a necessary part of the process. In writing up the research the writing style of the researcher will need to hone in on the academic coherence of a compare and contrast analytical style. This can be aided by two specific rules: ensure that a careful flow chart plan has been prepared for the literature review, with all headings, subheadings, linkage to appropriate appendices are noted, and that each subject theme and theorist is placed in the plan at an appropriate point in the flow of the theoretical debate; also, ensure that any references are checked before inclusion for citation, dates and bibliographic linkage, this latter point will save crucial time later. The plan can then be followed through the research notes coherently. This first draft when completed will need careful review by the supervisor, who will guide further additions, or provide ways to tighten language or resolve gaps in the process. From which a second draft can be completed. This is why, it is essential to maintain focus on the original basis for the research, discussions and contact with the research supervisor, and moreover, the consistency of redrafting will also be a crucial element to the process.
The importance of getting the literature review right is crucial therefore considerable time should be given to reading, note taking and writing. It is also important to note that a literature review is not simply a process of linking themes by a default discussion of those theoretical themes, on the contrary, the review must prove clearly that the researcher can analytically articulate the subject matter, carefully navigate and deduce academic arguments, soundly contrast the opinions, counter opinions of theorists that impact on the subject that is under analysis. In spending the crucial time in preparing the literature review the researcher will afford greater time in presenting a coherent argument supporting their findings against proven academic opinions, which will support or confound their original research hypothesis.
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