Post on 18-Dec-2015
Writing Literature Reviews Chapter One/Two
Jose Galvan
Primary Sources—first published accounts of research
In-depth discussion of methodology and findings
Primary sources can be state-of-the-art or cutting-edge
Why focus on Empirical Research?
All empirical research is flawed and should be interpreted with caution Sampling Issues
generalizability Measurement
Multiple methods Measurement error
Problem Identification Problems are often narrowly defined Limited scope can distort reality
Type 1:Empirical Research Reports
Not all articles relate research some cover theories
Many theoretical articles lead to predictions that run counter to common sense
Choosing a theory can help organize your literature review
Type 2: Theoretical Articles
Some journals regularly carry review articles that summarize the literature by reviewing many research studies
These articles can produce insights such as resolving conflicts in the literature, identifying new ways of interpreting the literature, and laying out a path for future research
This is the type of writing you will be doing in this class
Type 3: Literature Review Articles
Some journals will allow authors to report experiences on the basis of a single case
This research can be insightful, but in general is seriously deficient in generalizability and rigor
It’s like sugar and fat in the food guide pyramid—USE SPARINGLY
Type 4: Anecdotal Reports
Literature Reviews are used for: Doctoral and Masters Theses
Usually very long to show complete command of the literature
Research articles or reports Usually short and very specific
Course papers Pre-determined length used to show ability to
synthesize the works of others into a coherent argument
Writing for a Specific Purpose
Defining a Topic Identifying the literature Selecting Relevant Articles Organizing Your notes and thoughts Drafting, Editing, Redrafting
Planning to Write
Stage 1 preliminary library search and selection of topic
Stage 2 reading list and preliminary paper outline
Stage 3 first draft of paper Stage 4 revised final draft of paper
Writing a Term Paper