Scribd
Upload
129 views10 pages

Reviewing The Literature: Research Methodology: Chapter 4

The document discusses reviewing literature for research methodology. It covers searching existing literature, reviewing selected works, developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and writing literature reviews. The purpose is to provide background and context to research problems and findings.

Uploaded by

Eva Danielle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
129 views10 pages

Reviewing The Literature: Research Methodology: Chapter 4

The document discusses reviewing literature for research methodology. It covers searching existing literature, reviewing selected works, developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and writing literature reviews. The purpose is to provide background and context to research problems and findings.

Uploaded by

Eva Danielle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

Research Methodology : Chapter 4

Reviewing the literature


Topics covered
• Function of literature review
• How to review the literature
• Searching for existing literature
• Reviewing selected literature
• Developing theoretical and conceptual
frameworks
• How to write a literature review
Function of literature review
• A literature review is an integral part of the
research process
• Providing a theoretical background to a study:
– Bringing clarity and focus to the research problem
– Improving research methodology
– Broadening knowledge base in the research area
of interest
– Contextualising findings by integrating with the
exiting body of knowledge
How to review the literature
• Start with broad area of interest if research problem is not known
and narrow down
• Focused around the research problem
– What is already known in the area?
– What is not known or what are the gaps in the existing body of
knowledge?
– What questions have remained unanswered?
– Are there any areas of professional conflict?
– What theories have been put forward relevant to the area of research?
– What suggestions have been made for further research?
– What research strategies have been employed by others undertaking
similar research?
Four steps of doing a literature review

1. Searching for the existing literature in the


area of interest
2. Reviewing the selected literature
3. Developing a theoretical framework
4. Developing a conceptual framework

authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014


Searching for existing literature
• Set parameters for the search
• Compile a reading list
• Start with:
– Books
– Journals
– Conference papers
– The Internet
Reviewing selected literature
• Read existing literature and examine critically:
– Note whether the knowledge relevant to a theoretical framework has
been confirmed beyond doubt
– Note the theories put forward, the criticisms of these and their basis, the
methodologies adopted (study design, sample size and its characteristics,
measurement procedures, etc.) and the criticisms of them
– Examine to what extent the findings can be generalised to other
situations
– Notice where there are significant differences of opinion among
researchers, giving an opinion about their validity in addition to putting
forward a position with reasons
– Ascertain the areas in which little or nothing is known – the gaps that
exist in the body of knowledge
Developing theoretical and conceptual
frameworks
• Read with focus in mind
• Sort information into main themes and
theories
• Literature fits in two categories:
– Universal or general
– More specific
• Conceptual framework is the basis of enquiry
and stems from the theoretical framework
How to write a literature review
Write about the literature reviewed to provide a
theoretical background and contextualise findings to
existing body of literature:
• Describe various theories
• Specify gaps in the existing knowledge area
• Write about recent advances in the area of study
• State current trends
• Refine own methodology
• Quote findings from existing studies
Writing a literature review
• Thematic, based on the main theme of
enquiry
• Following a logical order
• Arguments referenced with supporting
evidence from the existing literature
• Use academic referencing style

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy