1. From description to analysis
Literature Review
From description to analysis

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8.  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

9.  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?

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13.  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