1. Writing Literature Reviews Chapter One/Two
Jose Galvan

2. Why focus on Empirical Research?
Primary Sources—first published accounts of research
In-depth discussion of methodology and findings
Primary sources can be state-of-the-art or cutting-edge

3. Type 1:Empirical Research Reports
All empirical research is flawed and should be interpreted with caution
Sampling Issues
generalizability
Measurement
Multiple methods
Measurement error
Problem Identification
Problems are often narrowly defined
Limited scope can distort reality

4. Type 2: Theoretical Articles
Not all articles relate research some cover theories
Many theoretical articles lead to predictions that run counter to common sense
Choosing a theory can help organize your literature review

5. Type 3: Literature Review Articles
Some journals regularly carry review articles that summarize the literature by reviewing many research studies
These articles can produce insights such as resolving conflicts in the literature, identifying new ways of interpreting the literature, and laying out a path for future research
This is the type of writing you will be doing in this class

6. Type 4: Anecdotal Reports
Some journals will allow authors to report experiences on the basis of a single case
This research can be insightful, but in general is seriously deficient in generalizability and rigor
It’s like sugar and fat in the food guide pyramid—USE SPARINGLY

7. Writing for a Specific Purpose
Literature Reviews are used for:
Doctoral and Masters Theses
Usually very long to show complete command of the literature
Research articles or reports
Usually short and very specific
Course papers
Pre-determined length used to show ability to synthesize the works of others into a coherent argument

8. Planning to Write Defining a Topic Identifying the literature
Selecting Relevant Articles
Organizing Your notes and thoughts
Drafting, Editing, Redrafting

9. Writing a Term Paper
Stage 1 preliminary library search and selection of topic
Stage 2 reading list and preliminary paper outline
Stage 3 first draft of paper
Stage 4 revised final draft of paper