1. Chapter 3: The Research Process
Key Concept: Literature Reviews 1 1

2. Literature Reviews
To gain an understanding of the knowledge and ideas that have been established in a problem area.
To identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing knowledge.
To identify the controversies that exist in the literature.
To identify questions that need further research.
To provide evidence of your expertise in an area. 2 2

3. More on Literature Reviews
Look for information on the scope, severity, and relevance of the problem area.
Assess the relationship between the theory related to the problem area and available research.
Note the problematic issues that are raised and discuss the strengths and weaknesses as to how they have been addressed in prior research.
Identify areas of controversy related to the problem. 3 3

4. More on Literature Reviews
Synthesize the literature review into a summary of what is and is not known.
Identify questions that need further research.
Make the literature search wide enough to ensure relevant material is included and narrow enough to exclude irrelevant material.
Relate the study you propose to do to the previous literature. 4 4

5. The Literature Review Funnel
Problem Definition
Size/Severity/Cost
Relevant Theory
Relevant Research
Problems/Gaps
Research Questions
Convince me it’s
worth doing and funding.
Demonstrate
your expertise. 5 5