BUSE4020

08 APRIL 2013

By: Wonder Isaac Sibanda 1

LITERATURE REVIEW

What is literature review?Use of ideas in the literature to justify:

the particular approach to the topic, the selection of methods, and demonstration that this research contributes something new.

An effective and quality literature review is one that: demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth, rigor & consistency, clarity & brevity and effective analysis & synthesis.

Creates a firm foundation for advancing knowledge, facilitates theory development, closes gaps in literature & uncover areas where research is still needed

Systematic and traditional literature reviews Rigorous, well defined approach to reviewing literature

NB: This is an essential part of your research paper!!

Why conduct a literature review? to identify gaps in the literature to avoid reinventing the wheel to carry on from where others have already reached (reviewing the field allows

you to build on the platform of existing knowledge and ideas) to show your ability to critically evaluate, integrate and synthesis relevant &

existing literature to increase your breadth of knowledge of your subject area to provide the intellectual context for your own work, enabling you to

position your project relative to other work to identify opposing views to identify information and ideas that may be relevant to your project to identify methods that could be relevant to your project to keep up with recent developments in your area of research

Illustrates the importance of the topic Shows the lack of research on the topic

The literature review processSelect a research topicIdentify and gather the relevant literature Read and analyse the relevant literature (literature

review processing) Write the reviewReferences

NB: we have already covered the first step!!

Identify and gather the relevant literature

Comprehensiveness and relevance are keyUse library and internet mostlyKey word searches most commonIdentify landmark or classic studies and theorists as these

provide you with a framework/context for your studyDevelopments in the area you are studyingOnly gather relevant and key literature for your studyPreview of articles and dividing it into themes, theories or

categoriesLook for original ideas or theories/ authors Standard: about 10 to 20 quality articles

Read and analyse the relevant literature

Reading the articles:

Read the easier articles first. Read the difficult, condensed or poorly written articles last

Scan the article by identifying the research question, specific hypothesis, the findings, the interpretation of findings

Preview, Question, Read, Summarise (PQRS system) (Cohen, 1990) Read for in-depth understanding. Identify precise methods used and

theories tested. Group articles according to theories, ideas, methodology etc.

Identify major trends or patterns Identify gaps in the literature, and reflect on why these might exist Keep your analysis focused on your topicSummarise the literature in table or concept map format!!

Literature review: processingKnow the material

Demonstrated by activities such as listing, defining describing and identifying

At the very least, you should show you have read the article and extracted meaningful information

Comprehend the materialDemonstrated by activities such as summarizing, differentiating,

interpreting and contrastingYou at least know the meaning and significance of the information

Apply Demonstrated by activities such as illustrating, solving, relating

and classifyingAt least show you know the meaning , significance and capability

and ability to use the information

Literature review: processing contie.

Analyse Demonstrated by activities such as separating, connecting

comparing, selecting and explainingIt entails why the information being presented is of importance

Synthesise entails activities such as combining integrating, modifying,

rearranging, designing, composing and generalisingThe essence being to assemble literature on a concept into a

whole that exceeds the sum partsEvaluate

Includes activities such as assessing, deciding, recommending selecting, judging explaining discriminating supporting and concluding

So as to clearly distinguish among opinions, theories, and empirical facts.

Writing the literature reviewStructure and organisation of information in an objective

manner is very crucialIdeas should flow, clearly demonstrate your knowledge and

consistency It should read like a critical evaluation of the information

available on the topicConsensus or differences, inconsistencies or contradictions,

strengths and weaknesses should be outlinedAvoid just summarising!!

Analyse, apply, synthesis and evaluate information

The literature review has an introduction, body and conclusion

Working with literature: Tips FIND IT

Using available resource Honing your research skills

MANAGE IT Read efficiently Keep track of references Highlight important information

USE IT Choose your topic Arguing your rationale, inform your study with theory, design methodology

REVIEW IT Understand the review’s purpose, ensure adequate coverage, write purposefully Work on style and tone

Most problems encountered when writing literature review (check

list)Lack of organisation or structureLack of focus, unity and coherenceBeing repetitive and verboseFailing to cite influential papersFailing to keep up with recent developmentsFailing to critically evaluate cited papersCiting irrelevant or trivial papersDepending too much on secondary sources