Workshop Dr Aini - 19th June 2009

Introduction
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Literature review must be mentioned in 3 places of your thesis. Chapter 1, 2, 4.
Chapter 1 - introduction -frame the problem
Chapter 2 - separate section - typical model of quantitative research.
Chapter 4 - At the end - compare n contrast findings.

Can you comment what you read?
Yes, you must be critical but with substance.

Can we cite newspaper article or report?
Yes but in the chapter 1 in your introduction to write about the background of your study. When you cite it make sure you do not cite the author and treat it as if the author is an academic writer.

According to Creswell, the most reliable source is Handbook, Try to find the handbook of your area.

Examples of examiners' comments
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• was limited
• emphasizing the work of X when his work has been largely discredited
• emphasis upon behavior is also been eclipsed in North American scholarship by a focus upon.. ( you should make comments of awareness of the change of theories or study done)
  
• did not place the research in the historical context of the field

Issues in literature review
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• too broad & no focus
• too narrow & not comprehensive enough (coverage)
• not up to date
• no synthesis n no new perspective
• not critical (own voice missing) - when you read and cite -look at the findings n methodology

Literature review consists of 2 types of literature
i. theoretical / conceptual literature
ii. research literature (including methodology)
where to find? journals, handbook,thesis, proquest, eric etc.
* try to read literature reviews done by others - look at the writing style of writing - emulate the style if it is beautiful.

Boote & Biele's 5 standard & criteria of a lit review.

1. coverage -justify why you need to include or exclude something - make sure you cover the ground (use lit. map).
   
2. synthesis - summarize, analyze & synthesize selected lit; distinguish what has been done from what needs to be done; place topic in broader context of the field; place research in historical context of field; acquire n enhance vocab; articulate important variables n phenomena relevant to topic; synthesize n gain a new perspective on lit. (point out if you found similarities or differences in ideas or highlight new ideas - use the write word such as contrary, refined, etc)
   
3. methodology - identify main methodologies & research techniques used in the field & analyse advantage n disadvantages; relate ideas & theories; justify methodological choices- suggest/ justify new methods. (link it to chapter 4)
   
4. relevance/significance - how important is the research you are referred to? - link it to your gap n problem statement
   
5. rhetoric - language -use literature map. Articulate clear claims based on what you have discussed in your writing.

Organisation of chapter
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1. Introduction - use meta paragraphing
   

• eg. In this section....

2. Body

• divide the discussion into a number of big sections (parallel to lit map)
• structure the discussion according to chronology( by publication or by trend), thematic, methodological.

3. End with a summary

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Guidelines for writing

1. Use evidence (use integral citation if you are quoting the same person(s) a few times in the same paragraph)
2. be selective
3. use quotes sparingly
4. summarize and synthesize
5. keep your own voice
6. use caution when paraphrasing
7. revise, revise, revise