1. A review of the literature
MA School Based Explorations

2. Objectives
This session will consider the importance and purpose of the critical literature review.
It will consider what to include in your review, and the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary sources.

3. The readings….. What is a literature review/ what is it not?
Why conduct a literature review?
How does it inform your contribution?
What questions should the literature review try to answer?
What are the differences between academic sources and other sources? Why is this important within the context of your dissertation?
How will this article inform your literature review?

4. Literature review- an overview
This is the background to your work
Shows how your research fits into the wider context
Shows that you are aware of other research that has already been done in your area. What have others said about your area?
Demonstrates that your knowledge of your chosen area is up to date
Shows how your research relates to previous research (findings and conclusion)
Combines the academic theories in the field

5. Assesses strengths and weaknesses of previous research
Is critical – asks questions of the texts you read. What are the limitations of the literature/ the gaps?
Through clear referencing, enable readers to locate the previous work that you cite

6. Originality….
‘Knowledge doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and your work only has value in relation to other people’s. Your work and your findings will be significant only to the extent that they are the same as, or different from, other people’s work and findings.’ (Jankowicz 2000)

7. Content of the review
Don’t be descriptive. Try to draw comparisons and contrasts between what different theorists say.
Discusses critically the work that has already been undertaken
Draws upon key points and trends, presents them in a logical way
Your ideas might follow on from this or you might be critical of the earlier research - argue why it is problematic and then justify your own ideas

8. Checklist to use when writing a review………
Does the review relate to your research question?
Have you covered the key theories of the experts in the field?
Is the literature you include up to date?
Have you been objective in your discussion and assessment of other people’s work?
Have you included references that are counter to your own opinion?
Have you made reasoned judgements about the value of others’ work to your own?
Is the argument cohesive and coherent- do the ideas link together?

9. Literature sources available
Primary: reports, theses, s, conference reports, government publications
Secondary: newspapers, books, academic journals, internet
Tertiary: abstracts, dictionaries, catalogues, indexes

10. M level literature Mainly drawn from:
Academic texts (e.g. Teaching and Learning: Pedagogy, Curriculum and Culture)
Academic Journals (e.g. British Educational Research Journal; British Journal of Sociology of Education)
Peer reviewed

11. The ‘yawning gap’ between the attainment of poor children and their richer peers
Gove (2010) ‘Rich thick kids achieve more than poor clever kids’
In a 2010 cross-party Commons education committee Micheal Gove, the then Minsiter for Education told MPs…..

12. Successful M level dissertations
Analysis rather than description
Balance; presented both sides of argument
Avoided unsupported assertions
Breadth of reading
Clarity; especially in the introduction & conclusion
Coherence: often using subheadings
Linked experience to theories
Demonstrated good discussions of issues

13. What comprises M level study?
The type of literature you use to support your argument
The level of critical analysis and depth of understanding shown

14. What is…………………………….
CRITICAL ANALYSIS!

15. Video What is critical thinking?
What does this mean for your literature review?

16. What is critical thinking?

17. What is critical thinking?
Active not passive
Solving problems well (seeing from multi perspectives, seeing patterns, exercising impulse control)
Judgement based on criteria
Questioning assumptions, suspending beliefs, being open minded, questioning socio-cultural approaches

18. What does this mean for my literature review?
‘Critical’- the judgement you exercise
Providing a detailed and justificatied analysis of and commentary on the merits and faults of the key literature within your chosen area.
Consider and discuss work that supports and work that opposes your ideas
Make reasoned judgements regarding the value of others’ work to your research
Support your arguments with valid evidence in a logical manner
Distinguish between fact and opinion

19. University of East Anglia
7125/ /Referencing+your+work. pdf/8dbd2f18-fc3a-436b bfb052b7861