Writing a literature review Andrew Barton, Ed.D.

This session Three top tips Before you write anything Identifying your variables Show and Tell It’s time to write Lessons learned

Three top tips Believe you CAN do it. Think about writing chapter 2 first. Treat 790 as the real deal not practice.

Question: When you think about writing Chapter 2, what keeps you up at night?

Question: What is a literature review?

“The greatest gift you can give yourself as a researcher is to read and analyze the literature surrounding your study as early as possible… A comprehensive, up-to-date literature review allows you to get to the frontier in your area of research and, at the same time, become an expert in your field”.   Roberts, C. (2010). The dissertation journey

Possible strategies Source: APU Writing Center

Before you write anything Define your topic. Decide how you’ll manage references. Read a lot – but be selective. Close in on a research question. Identify the variables and research them. Collate, analyze, and evaluate with your reader in mind.

My Research Question What is the culture of succession planning and leader development at Lipscomb University?

Frequency Table

Think about variables before frequencies Additional Search Terms University College. School. Higher Education. Christian Faith-based. Religious. Private. Succession Planning Replacement Planning. Talent Management. High Potential. Leader Development Leadership Development. Leadership Training. Career Development. Career Planning.

Exercise: Identify your own core variables.

Show & Tell: How I used Google Drive, Iannotate and Endnote in writing my literature review.

Iannotate on iPad

My Endnote database

It’s time to write Spend time developing a strong outline with your chair. Listen to your chair, but don’t be afraid to negotiate. It’s your chapter 2...kind of. Continually refine your line of logic. Think about it in chunks. Resist every urge to vomit!

My Chapter II

Exercise: Take your variables (level 1 headings) and brainstorm level 2 headings

Make the most of your writing Set concrete writing goals and deadlines. Identify your time-wasters. Schedule a time to write and find a distraction-free venue. Pursue accountability that works for you. Source: Rootedinwriting.com

Things I learned You won’t use all of your reading (190/241). Showing all you know is not the purpose. It is synthesis not regurgitation e.g. 38 pages, 10 quotes represented by 12 sentences. (example page) Cite it or don’t say it. This is not the place for your opinion.

Things I learned Situate your study in the literature. Funnel to the gap. Chapter 2 is a different style of writing. You have to work at it. It takes time to get comfortable with it. Every other chapter was easier!

Questions & Answers (hopefully) Andrew Barton, Ed. D. abarton@apu Questions & Answers (hopefully) Andrew Barton, Ed.D. abarton@apu.edu (626) 224-0767