Organizing and Writing the Literature Review Dr. Capo and Dr. Mendez

Topic of Interest Begin by pulling current research from peer reviewed journal articles (last 5 years). Rummage through their references as well and look for journals, reports, conference proceedings. Look for theoretical frameworks.

Utilize the Library Databases! Learn to use the databases effectively! Look at the number of times an article has been cited. See who has cited the articles and seek out the source.

Become the Expert! Read, Read, Read and take notes! Make sure that your notes clearly label what you have paraphrased. In your notes, document the citation and page number of any quotes! You cannot do research in your field without a strong understanding of current research in your field!

Themes Begin to group your research by common themes or subtopics. Avoid bias!!!!!! Create an outline (Extremely Important)! Outline!!!!

The Literature Review Outline The outline should evolve to become your literature review headings. Your dissertation chair should be able to review and picture the flow of your completed literature review.

Topic, Problem, and Purpose Continue to tweak your topic, problem, and purpose. Remember, your literature review, when completed, should provide you with a clear picture of what you will do and how you will do it.

The Literature Review Helps you find gaps – what is not known Helps you analyze the different methodologies used Helps you critically analyze how the topic has been explored

Elements of a Literature Review Topical research describes the what. Theoretical framework describes the why and how. Conceptual Framework - Helps you make an argument for and defend all of your choices as well as select and defend the theoretical framework you will apply.

In your literature review, Discuss theoretical and conceptual framework for the study Include a minimum of 30 peer-reviewed journal articles on your topic Cover all main concepts from problem statement Have a clear discussion of how further studies should extend, differ from, or replicate past studies Note strengths and weaknesses of prior studies Give a literature base for chosen methodology Include Research Questions Based on theory, literature, and experience Stated in the form of a question Are specific, feasible, and have measurable variables specified (if quantitative)

The theoretical framework should Identify the key concepts of your topic. Compare the definitions proposed by different authors and identify the definition that is the best fit for your research. State why this is the case. Identify relationships between concepts. Describe and explain relevant theories and models that are related to the main concepts of your topic, to show that your dissertation is based on scientific theory. Explain your rationale to apply these conccepts (or not) in your study.

Major Purposes Situates your own work within the current research literature Provides a sound basis from which to build from (research is cumulative). Identify areas  of new research need Inform your research design and your methodology

Literature Review Flaws Too much emphasis on what is known and where the gaps are located. Too little synthesis (compare, contrast, summarize but must do more). Synthesis allows new possibilities to develop. Too little emphasis on design and methodology Literature review is a process not just a product

The Literature Review “…it should be apparent that we view the whole study as an argument, and much of it is an outgrowth of the process of reviewing the literature” (Ravitch, S.M., Riggan, M., 2012., p.26).

How do you know when Are You Finished? Only when you have a complete conceptual framework! A complete picture and argument for what you will do.

Reference Ravitsh, S.M., & Riggan, M. (2012). Reason and rigor: How conceptual frameworks guide research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Contact Information Dr. Berta Capo cberta@nova.edu Dr. Gabriela Mendez gmendez@nova.edu