From description to analysis Literature Review From description to analysis

What is the purpose of a literature review in a research proposal? To introduce the topic area(s) Define the terms (words) that are being used To summarise existing knowledge of the topic area(s) To draw from the experiences and results of other researchers some possible answers/solutions/causes that could be investigated To be able to conclude with a model/hypothesis which will be tested in your organisation Descriptive Synthesising Analysing This is where you identify very specifically what aspects/questions you will be researching

What is synthesis? Identifying several authors/sources who have researched the topic area(s) Compare what they are saying Contrast what they are saying Now apply your knowledge to your organisation’s situation Use textbooks e-resources What are the similarities? What are the differences? This is where the analysis happens

What is a model or hypothesis? A model is a picture of what the researcher is proposing to research. Models tend to be used in social science and humanities research

What is a model or hypothesis? A hypothesis is a series of questions the researcher is trying to answer. Hypotheses are often linked to scientific (quantitative) research A null hypothesis is suggested: which is often a negative statement; with the intention of proving the negative statement wrong; so that the alternative hypothesis must be right!

Preparing a Search Profile Review questions, search terms Determine importance of criteria for inclusion / exclusion in the review (consider your research aims & objectives) Systematic literature review method Theoretical rigour Methodological rigour Coherence of research designs and execution Quality of argument

Searching Plan – Search Profile Record your searches (search diary) Identify sources – places, journals, people Logical approach Own library and other library catalogues Book bibliographies Journal abstracts, indexes and contents lists Institutions and people Google Scholar Saving/ cataloguing literature Example: Using the Library to search for Articles

 How to read/ review papers 1 NB: Reading for a review is very different from reading for pleasure!! Decision: Action: Purpose: Not useful Check if it is useful for your research STOP 1 Read the abstract Seems useful Note its structure, topic, style, general reasoning, data and references Not useful Skim through the paper 2 STOP Seems useful Not useful Read the introduction &conclusions Try to identify the ideas, aims and logic for the work STOP 3 Seems useful Tip! Take notes in a systematic way Identify the rationale for the study (theory & method), extract main concepts and check how they were defined & used Read the sections important for your needs 4

 How to read/ review papers 2 Examples of Categorising streams of thought: What are the key theories, concepts and ideas? What are the main questions and problems that have been addressed to date? What are the key sources? Literature search and review your topic How is knowledge on the topic structured and organised? What are the methods used? What are the origins and definitions of the topic? Does it reference any other relevant literature/ research? What are the major issues and debates about the topic?

Content of the Critical Review The literature review represents the body of research on which the author should seek to ground the proposed framework and to reflect the aim of his/her research Your critical review will need to: Include the key academic theories within your chosen area Demonstrate that your knowledge is up to date Show how your own research relates to previously published research Assess the strengths and weaknesses of previous research

Critically reviewing ‘critical review’ – is a difficult notion Includes evidence of: Evaluation of sources Evaluation of arguments by authors Evaluation of methods used by authors Evaluation of utility (i.e. Strengths and weaknesses) Example: Literature Analysis Table (ideas for a ‘thematic analysis’) NB: Reasoned evaluation (not simply opinion) 11

Writing Look at examples in methods books & articles in refereed journals Report literature review methods (even if only briefly) Draw conclusions relevant to your project

 Writing your review What is the aim of your review? To define topics? / map out theories? To establish a context? Give a coherent structure or order: eg Discuss in chronological order Group into topics or themes Compare, contrast, critically analyse What are the different view points What are the positives? What are the drawbacks? What do you think? What does this mean in relation to your research/ topic? Summarise your review Don't forget to give a summary of the main points at the end Make sure you explain the importance of all the literature for your research