1. Preparing a Literature Review Prof. Nancy Rivenburgh Department of Communication

2. A review of the literature (to develop a research idea) versus a Literature Review (to set up a study)

3. Am I ready to create a Literature Review?  Do I have an idea or theme or hypothesis, NOT a topic?  Is the idea original?  Is it useful to someone?  Will it change the way people think?

4. A Good Literature Review…  Has focus

5. A Good Literature Review…  Has focus  Places the study at the ‘state of the art’

6. A Good Literature Review…  Has focus  Places the study at the ‘state of the art’  Clearly establishes the study’s purpose and importance

7. Where do I put the Lit Review? ► Quantitative studies In the beginning to provide direction for research questions and hypothesis ► Qualitative studies a. Theory driven (deductive) – in the beginning to offer an orienting framework or concept b. Grounded approach (inductive) -- multiple places or options Check with your advisor….

8. Organizing the Literature Review First of all…. Make the literature WORK FOR YOU. Establish your VOICE.

9. Organizing the Literature Review  Synthesize in a way that adds value

10. Tip: Try creating a literature map

11. Organizing the Literature Review  Synthesize in a way that adds value  Have a clear narrative structure

12. Logical progression Problem Interdisciplinary Study Framework Relevant Areas of Literature Theory or Issue Debate Study Focus Examples of narrative structure Fin Finding 2 Finding 3 Finding 1 Issue What we know What we need to find out Study Focus

13. Organizing the Literature Review  Synthesize in a way that adds value  Have a clear narrative structure  Find the right balance (giving confidence vs. relevance to the study)

14. Organizing the Literature Review  Synthesize in a way that adds value  Have a clear narrative structure  Find the right balance  Tell the reader what to ‘carry forward’

15. Organizing the Literature Review And don’t forget… Make the literature WORK FOR YOU. Establish your VOICE.

16. Writing the Literature Review  Limit to relevant findings, information

17. Writing the Literature Review  Limit to relevant findings, information  Don’t over-quote

18. Writing the Literature Review  Limit to relevant findings, information  Don’t over-quote  Provide instructive signposts

19. Writing the Literature Review  Limit to relevant findings, information  Don’t over-quote  Provide instructive signposts  Avoid jargon, be precise, explain, clarify

20. Writing the Literature Review  Limit to relevant findings, information  Don’t over-quote  Provide instructive signposts  Avoid jargon, be precise, explain, clarify  Write in crisp and active prose

21. Writing the Literature Review  Limit to relevant findings, information  Don’t over-quote  Provide instructive signposts  Avoid jargon, be precise, explain, clarify  Write in crisp and active prose  Revisit the Lit Review once the study is complete

22. Sounds good…. But how do I get it done? Review a domain of literature Identify an idea / theme (not a topic) Conduct a very directed literature search Refine your study focus (propose hypothesis; create a working title!)

23. Organize the Literature Review (decide the narrative structure; map it out) Draft: FAST!!! Just write it. Yes, the whole thing. Don’t revise as you go. Polish: revise; scrutinize for clarity, accuracy, flow, interest, fill in detail as needed.

24. Thanks! And good luck!