Literature Review

The identification, location and analysis of documents containing information relating to a research problem (Warrican, 2004) A systematic study, survey and interpretation of the material published on a particular topic ( Babbie, 2002).

This involves the review prior work done in the particular

area of interest. This body of previous work is referred to as the Literature.
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Literature Review
involves a summary of: - Conceptual - Theoretical grounding (basic
theoretical knowledge) for the study - how others have defined the problem and related concepts

- Research - what relationships have been

identified between variables in previous studies findings and conclusions of prior work
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Functions of Literature Review

Reference to relevant theories and previous studies help to uncover and provide the following: Information about work that has already been done that can be meaningfully extended or applied. Ideas about variables that have proven important or unimportant in a given field of study. The status of work in the field in terms of conclusions and potential hypothesis (es).

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Functions of Literature Review

Meaning of, and relationships between variables that are chosen for the study. A basis for refining the context of the problem. A basis for examining significance of the study. A basis or determining possible redundancies with regard to the study in mind.
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Functions of Literature Review

gauges the feasibility of pursuing the topic provides you with new ideas and approaches to handling methodological and design issues

reveals sources of data you may not have known existed

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Functions of Literature Review

introduces you to measurement tools reveals methods of dealing with problem situations helps you interpret and make sense of your findings

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Literature Review will involve:

reviewing & critiquing previous work in

order to:
describe theoretical constructs and explain the phenomenon in which you are interested Show how your work will be a logical extension of previous efforts.
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WRITING THE LITERATAURE REVIEW

The Introduction
Provides a preface for the review by identifying the general topic, issue, or area of concern Establishes the general intention of the reviewer in terms of the nature and scope literature Provides information about sequence/structure of the review

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The Body
A summary of conceptual and empirical material relating to the research problem. Materials cited should be:
Relevant relevant to Research Problem and related to Subproblems/Research Questions/Hypotheses. No extraneous information
Substantiated No opinionated unsubstantiated material. Target peer reviewed/juried/ refereed Journals Current No older than five years (with justifiable exceptions)
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The Body cont.

The content of the review should be:
Adequate adequate in terms of:
- how sources address the issues raised by research questions - how well literature points out where prior studies agree and/or disagree and where major questions remain

Analytical include a critique of the materials cited Logically organized - according to Sub-topics or Research Questions/Hypotheses or Variables Sources must be clearly cited, correct citation style (APA). No opinionated unsubstantiated sources.
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The Conclusion
The closing comments provided by the conclusion should:
Maintain the focus established in the introduction Summarize major contributions of significant studies and articles to the body of knowledge under review Evaluate the adequacy of existing material in relation to the current research problem Link the material reviewed to current study

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THE SEARCH FOR RELATED LITERATURE

The Librarys book collection Official Statistics local and international Scientific research reports Government publications The World Wide Web Other reputable sources

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USING YOUR LIBRARY TIME EFFICIENTLY

Identify the key search concept and terms before going to the library Check catalogue to determine what is available Compile a tentative bibliography Commence search systematically Journals then books then official reports and so on. Make use of Indexes, Abstracts, and Other General References. Use March 13, 2014electronic search tools 13

USING YOUR LIBRARY TIME EFFICIENTLY

Select citations that are relevant to your topic Record all basic information as you read each source Organize and edit materials Identify strategies for obtaining additional sources not available in library
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