Literature reviews
A review is not about expressing your opinions, but evaluating the logical coherence of theories, methodologies and findings in the context of informed scholarship.
Chris Hart Doing a Literature Review Sage 1998
Literature review: definition
The selection of available documents (both published and unpublished) on the topic, which contain information, ideas, data and evidence written from a particular standpoint to fulfil certain aims or express certain views on the nature of the topic and how it is to be investigated, and the effective evaluation of these documents in relation to the research being proposed. Chris Hart Doing a Literature Review
Sage 1998
A critical discussion, showing insight into differing arguments, theories and approaches. A synthesis and analysis of relevant published work, linked at all times to your own purpose and rationale.
Not simply a description and summary of what others have published.
Personal develops research skills and abilities
Public contributes to research plan and purposes
Core skills required
time management organisation of materials computer use info handing online searching ability to make connections integrate ideas etc. systematic thinking synthesise diff materials writing
Additional skills
moving across disciplines tenacity patience
Purpose
To evaluate whether topic suitable for research To narrow the topic to what is practical To justify the topic To show you have read and understood the relevant published work concerning a particular topic or question in your field. To provide a framework/raise questions for further work.
This involves
Distinguishing what has been done from what needs to be done - avoiding duplication Identifying variables relevant to topic Synthesizing and gaining new perspective Establishing topic context or problem Explaining significance of topic Acquiring subject vocab. Understanding structure of topic Relating theory/ideas to applications Identifying main methodologies and techniques used in past Placing topic in historical context
Analysis: The action or process of carrying out such a detailed examination; the methodical or systematic investigation of something complex in order to explain or understand it. Summative: Operating by means of addition; additive; cumulative, pertaining to accumulation Synthesis: The putting together of parts or elements so as to make up a complex whole
Sources
Sources need to be robust (e.g. published reports, journal articles, books, commentary on artists work), and can be in any format, including online sources. You need to be aware of the status of different sources e.g. newspaper report might have less academic weight than an international journal article; an artwork might be considered a primary source and inappropriate for discussion amongst secondary sources but you could also argue an artwork is published knowledge.
What to read?
Decide on the parameters of your research e.g. are you looking at issues of theory, methodology, historical evidence, practice? compile a list of the main areas and questions involved
make notes as you go on arguments and opinions of different writers; controversial issues; your own opinions focus on key arguments. Devise system for noting important ideas consider indexing your reading note the main questions raised Draw up a list of the questions you want the literature to answer
Reading/notetaking
Structure 1
Discrete chapter group together and compare and contrast the varying opinions of different writers on certain topics. Break literature down -- into topic areas, controversial issues or by questions to which there are varying approaches and theories. Within each section, discuss what the literature argues and link to your own purpose.
Structure 2
In the humanities, the literature review can sometimes be a section of an introductory chapter, giving an overview of relevant literature in the field. Specific literature relevant to each chapter can be dispersed through thesis.
lit review in form of single chapter would have
a short introduction including the main topics covered and the order of the arguments, with a brief rationale. a clear line of argument i.e. links between the various arguments and the evidence uncovered in your reading. a short summary at the end of each section. quotations if appropriate. acknowledgement of opinions you do not agree with. If you ignore opposing viewpoints, your argument will be weaker.
Dispersed review - section of introduction would explain
Main literatures covered and brief rationale Explanation/rationale of how the literature reviewed is dispersed through thesis chapters a clear line of argument i.e. links between the various arguments and the evidence uncovered in your reading
