Reviewing the Literature Elke Johanna de Buhr, PhD Tulane University

Textbook Chapters Creswell, Chapters 2 and 5 Salkind, Chapter 3A

Your Research Proposal I. Introduction A. Problem/purpose statement B. Research question(s) C. Hypothesis D. Definitions of terms II. Review of the relevant literature A. Importance of the question being asked B. Current status of the topic C. Relationship between the literature and the problem statement  III. Method A. Target population B. Research design and sampling C. Data collection plans D. Proposed analysis of the data IV. Implications and limitations 

Research Proposal: Part I

Research Proposal: Part I I. Introduction A. Problem/purpose statement B. Research question(s) C. Hypothesis (if any) D. Definitions of terms

The Importance of Introductions The Introduction The first passage in a journal article, dissertation, or scholarly research study that Sets the stage for the project Creates reader interest in the topic Establishes the issues or concerns that leads to the study Conveys information about the problem Places the study within the larger context Reaches out to a specific audience A Research Problem The problem or issue that leads to the need for a study from Personal experience Debate in the literature Gaps that needs to be addressed Policy debates Problem in society at large

An Abstract for a Study Most importance single paragraph in a study because: It gives a brief summary of the contents of a study It allows the reader to quickly survey the essential elements of the study It starts with the issue or problem It indicates the purpose of the study It states the data that will be collected to address the purpose It indicates the themes or statistical results likely It indicates the practical implications of the study

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions Introductions take a similar pattern for all approaches, but have some differences Qualitative Introductions Problem calls for exploration May be shaped by a theoretical lens May be written from a personal, first-person, subjective point of view Quantitative Introductions Problem calls for factors and variables May advance a theory to be tested and substantial literature May be written from an impersonal, objective point of view Mixed Methods Introductions May use a quantitative or qualitative approach or a combination If one approach is emphasized or begins the study, then the introduction may follow that approach

A Model for an Introduction The deficiencies model of an introduction Popular approach in research Write one paragraph per element (2 pages total): State the research problem Review studies that have addressed the problem Indicate deficiencies in the studies Advance the significance of the study for particular audiences State the purpose statement See example of introduction provided on page 112-114

The Research Problem Begin the introduction with a narrative hook to engage the reader Easily understood by many readers Builds readers’ interest through reference to study participants or posing questions Clearly identify the issue(s) or problem(s) that lead to a need for the study Indicate why the problem is important by citing numerous references

The Research Problem (cont.) Opening sentence should stimulate interest while presenting the issue Do not use quotations to avoid confusion Avoid idiomatic expressions Consider numeric information for impact Clearly identify the research problem Indicate why the problem is important using the existing literature Frames the problem in a manner consistent with the research approach in the study Indicate if there is a single problem or multiple problems involved in the proposed study

Studies Addressing the Problem The use of literature in the introduction differs from the full literature review (Chapter 2) The literature review in the introduction serves to: Justify the importance of the problem Set the research problem within ongoing dialogue in the literature Create distinctions between past studies and the proposed study Summarize large groups of studies (broad categories) in the introduction instead of individual ones

Studies Addressing the Problem (cont.) Tips to consider when reviewing the literature for the introduction: Deemphasize single studies: Summarize groups of studies not individual ones Use in-text referencing to remove the emphasis on any one study Review studies that use quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches Use recent studies (last 10 years) and older studies that are of value Summarize the more general literature and emphasize the need for the current study

Evaluating Deficiencies in Past Literature After addressing the problem and reviewing the literature about it, it is important to examine the deficiencies in past literature. Deficiencies in past literature may exist because: The topic has not been explored with a particular group, sample, or population The literature needs to be replicated with new people or sites The voice of underrepresented groups has not been heard in published literature

Deficiencies in Past Literature (cont.) When identifying deficiencies in past literature: Cite several deficiencies Identify specifically the deficiencies of the other studies Indicate areas overlooked by past studies Also tell how proposed study will: Remedy or address the deficiencies Provide a unique contribution to the literature

Significance of a Study for Audiences Describe the significance of the study for select audiences to convey the importance of the study Consider including: 3-4 reasons the study adds to the scholarly literature 3-4 reasons the study helps to improve practice 3-4 reasons the study will improve policy End with a statement of the purpose of the study

Research Proposal: Part II

Research Proposal: Part II II. Review of the relevant literature (the more complete, the better) A. Importance of the question being asked B. Current status of the topic C. Relationship between the literature and the problem statement 

Literature Review Quantitative vs. qualitative study Primary vs. secondary data collection Purpose: Research proposal Descriptive report Academic paper Etc.

Chapter Two: Review of the Literature

Chapter Outline Review of the Literature The Research Topic The Literature Review The Use of the Literature Design Techniques Steps in Conducting a Literature Review Searching Computerized Databases A Priority for Selecting Literature Material A Literature Map of the Research Abstracting Studies Example 2.1. Literature Review Abstract in a Quantitative Study Example 2.2. Literature Review Abstract in a Study Advancing a Typology Style Manuals The Definition of Terms Example 2.3. Terms Defined in an Independent Variables Section Example 2.4. Terms Defined in a Mixed Methods Dissertation A Quantitative or Mixed Methods Literature Review

The Literature Review Shares the results of other studies Relates the study to the larger dialogue in the literature Provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study Provides a benchmark for comparing the results to other findings

The Use of Literature The use and length of the literature varies based on the forum: research proposal, dissertation or journal article Despite this, the literature may: Provide a summary of major studies on the research problem Demonstrate the writers knowledge of the topic/problem/issue Integrate what others have done and said about the topic/problem/issue May criticize previous scholarly works on the topic/problem/issue May allow for connections between related topics May elucidate the central issues in the field

Using Literature in a Qualitative Study

Using Literature in a Quantitative Study In quantitative studies the literature is used deductively as it provides a framework for the research questions and hypothesis Provide direction to the research questions and hypotheses Introduce a problem Introduce and describe the theory that will be used Examine the usefulness of the theory Compare results with existing literature or predictions

Using Literature in a Mixed Methods Study In mixed methods studies Researchers use the literature: In either a quantitative or qualitative approach In a manner consistent with either quantitative or qualitative approach Relative to the intended audience Irrespective of the type of study, choose one of the following types of literature reviews: Integrative Critical Building bridges among topics Identification of central issues

Steps in Conducting a Literature Review Identify key words Search library catalogs Identify about 50 research reports in articles or books Photocopy those that are central to your topic Design a literature map Draft summaries of the relevant articles Write a literature review, organizing it by important concepts

Searching Computerized Databases Computerized databases are readily available through libraries and the internet These databases provide access to numerous journal articles, conference papers and dissertations on a wealth of topics Some of these online data bases include: ERIC - ProQuest - EBSCO Sociological Abstracts - PsycINFO - PubMed Science direct - Google scholar Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)

Searching Computerized Databases (cont.) Use both free databases and those subscribed for by academic libraries Search several databases, even those outside your field Do not use only search terms that are identical to your topic and study interest, slight variations in the search terms may yield more outcomes Locate articles that are close to your topic and use their descriptors to enhance your search Use databases that provide access to full articles

Selecting Literature Material Start with broad syntheses (such as encyclopedias) if you are new to the topic Turn to journal articles in national journals Next consider books Then examine conference papers Scan for dissertations Make sure to also review the available “grey literature” (wealth of reports on topics related to international development on the Internet but quality varies)

Literature Map of Research A literature map is a visual summary of existing research on a topic The structure of the literature map may be: A hierarchical pattern A flowchart layout A series of circles

An Example of Literature Map

Abstracting Studies Draft abstracts that summarize selected articles For research studies: Mention the problem State the central purpose State information about the population and sample Review key results Point out methodological flaws (if a methodological review) For nonempirical studies (essays, opinions, etc.) State the central theme State the major conclusions Mention flaws in reasoning or logic (if a methodological review)

Style Manuals Style manuals provide guidelines for producing scholarly work and include directions on the following: Citing references Creating headings Presenting tables and figures In-text citation/references End-of-text references Footnotes (not used in all style manuals) Reminder: Consistently use the chosen style manual

The Definition of Terms Identify and define terms that readers need to understand a proposal Define terms introduced in all sections of the research plan The title of the study The problem statement The purpose statement The research questions, hypotheses, or objectives The literature review The theory base of the study The methods section

The Definition of Terms (cont.) Qualitative studies are inductive and evolutionary in nature hence the definition of terms may appear later in the written report, perhaps in the data analysis Quantitative studies are deductive with a fixed set of objectives, hence all relevant terms are comprehensively defined earlier in the study In mixed methods studies the definition of relevant terms follows the use of (earlier or later in the study) and emphasis placed on quantitative and qualitative approaches

The Definition of Terms (cont.) Define terms when they first appear in the manuscript Use specific operational definitions Do not define terms using everyday language, be guided by the literature Define terms so that they accomplish different goals One may use a definition of terms section in the manuscript

The Definition of Terms (cont.)

A Quantitative or Mixed Methods Literature Review A suggested model: Introduce the review with a statement about the organization of the sections Review literature about the independent variables Review literature about the dependent variables Review literature that relates the independent variables to the dependent variables Provide a summary Highlight important studies Capture major themes Suggest why more research is needed Advance how the proposed study will fill this need

Making a Case for Your Research Carefully summarize the best available literature Identify deficiencies in the past literature Describe how the planned study will remedy or address these deficiencies (significance of the study)