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Literature Review. What is a literature review?. A literature review should summarize the existing research on your subject. It should make connections between existing theories and arguments. It should bring your readers “up to speed” with existing research.
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What is a literature review? • A literature review should summarize the existing research on your subject. • It should make connections between existing theories and arguments. • It should bring your readers “up to speed” with existing research. • It should “set the stage” for you to explain the need for additional research.
Why conduct a literature review? • Become an expert. • Make sure you aren’t repeating the exact same research project. • Establish credibility with your audience. • Understand the issues from different perspectives. • See which methodologies have been employed to research similar subjects.
Where should I begin? • Your goal is to become an expert. • Read as much material as you can. • Think like an investigator. • See which authors and resources continuously appear – and follow them!
Which resources should I use? • Google Scholar • Identify the major scholars in your field. • Locate articles about your subject. • Academic Journals/Database • Available online and in libraries. • Libraries • Collect as many books and research papers on your subject as possible.
What am I looking for? • You’re reading these materials to see how your subject has been addressed by scholars. • Authors sometimes become associated with a specific theory. • ex. The “Laffer Curve” refers to an economics theory developed by Arthur Laffer. • ex. The “Skinner Test” refers to a psychological method developed by B.F. Skinner. • Not all important theories/arguments/research works are “named.” Keep everything in mind.
What else am I looking for? (2) • You’re also interested in seeing how other scholars have conducted their research. • What were their questions? • How are those questions similar to mine? • Did they use a qualitative, qualitative, or combined methodology? • What were their outcomes?
The Finished Product • Your finished product should summarize the seminal arguments, theories and approaches to studying your subject. • Include names of scholars. • It should also identify which methodologies have been employed. • Finally, it should cite only academic and professional resources.