Review of Related Literature, Frameworks, and Variables

50 question-and-answer flashcards reviewing key points about literature reviews, definitions of terms, research frameworks, variables, and conceptual models.

What is a Review of Related Literature (RRL)?

A detailed review of existing literature relevant to the topic of a thesis or dissertation.

What is the primary purpose of reviewing related studies in research?

To discuss existing knowledge and findings that inform and justify the current study.

What are the three main sections of a literature review’s structure?

Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusions/Recommendations.

What is commonly presented in the introduction of a literature review?

The fundamental idea or rationale for examining the selected body of literature.

What does the main body of a literature review contain?

An organized discussion that summarizes, synthesizes, and links sources to the current study.

What should be emphasized in the conclusion/recommendation section of an RRL?

Key learnings from the review and directions for where the study should lead.

Which type of literature review focuses on relating a study to a larger body of knowledge?

Context review.

Which literature review organizes related research according to time period?

Historical review.

Which literature review summarizes recent knowledge and highlights agreements and disagreements?

Integrative review.

What does a methodological review primarily evaluate?

The strengths and gaps in the research designs, samples, and processes of previous studies.

In which literature review does the researcher show personal mastery of a knowledge area?

Self-study review.

Which literature review compares and discusses theories or concepts focused on a topic?

Theoretical review.

What are the three basic types of sources used in a literature review?

General references, primary sources, and secondary sources.

What type of source helps researchers track down other sources but is not a primary study itself?

General references.

Where are most primary sources commonly found?

Journal articles.

How do secondary sources differ from primary sources?

Secondary sources analyze or discuss the work of others rather than report original findings.

Name two places where a researcher can find related literature.

Books and scholarly journal articles (other acceptable answers: dissertations, government documents, policy reports, periodicals).

What two key characteristics typically define scholarly journals?

They are peer-reviewed and written by identified scholars in the field.

What is a dissertation?

An original research work required for the Ph.D. degree, sometimes later published as books or articles.

Why are government documents valuable sources in literature reviews?

They report government-funded research findings that may not appear elsewhere.

What makes policy reports different from typical academic research papers?

They are written for non-academic readers and often summarize research implications.

In an RRL, what is meant by “synthesis”?

Concise summarizing and linking of different sources to form a coherent overview and recommendations.

What does “Operational Definition of Variables (ODV)” refer to?

Defining a term by explaining exactly how it is used or measured in the study.

How does a conceptual definition differ from an operational definition?

Conceptual is dictionary-based meaning; operational explains the term as used within the study context.

Give one benefit of including a definition-of-terms section.

It clarifies technical terms so readers can easily understand the paper.

State one guideline for writing definitions of terms.

Arrange the terms alphabetically (other guidelines acceptable).

What is a research framework?

A structure or blueprint that outlines key concepts and assumed relationships guiding the study.

Name two ways a research framework can be presented.

Visually (diagrams/charts) or narratively (paragraph form).

What are the two major types of research frameworks?

Theoretical framework and conceptual framework.

What is a theoretical framework?

A framework that anchors the study on established, time-tested theories.

What is a conceptual framework?

A model of the specific concepts and tentative theories directly supporting the particular study.

Provide one similarity shared by theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

Both guide the development of relevant research questions or objectives.

Provide one difference in scope between theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

Theoretical frameworks are broader and usable in many studies; conceptual frameworks are narrower and specific.

What is a concept map?

A visual representation that shows relationships among ideas, starting with a main topic and branching into sub-topics.

Name two possible forms a concept map can take.

Flowcharts and Venn diagrams (also tables, timelines, T-charts, etc.).

What is an independent variable?

The presumed cause that the researcher manipulates or observes to see its effect.

What is a dependent variable?

The presumed effect or outcome influenced by changes in the independent variable.

Define a moderating variable.

An independent variable that changes the strength or direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Define a mediating (intervening) variable.

A variable that explains how or why the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

What is a control variable?

A variable that could influence the dependent variable and is held constant or statistically controlled.

What does the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model illustrate?

How inputs are transformed through processes to produce outputs.

In the IPO model, what typically represents the input?

The study’s independent variables or initial data/resources.

What does the process component of IPO include?

The interventions, instruments, and analyses used to transform inputs into results.

What represents the output in an IPO framework?

The findings or outcomes produced by the research process.

Which research approach frequently employs IPO models?

Action research that requires interventions or solutions to problems.

How does the IV-DV conceptual model depict relationships?

It shows the presumed direct influence of an independent variable on a dependent variable.

What additional component does the IPOF model introduce beyond IPO?

Feedback, indicating possible revisions based on evaluation or stakeholder input.

When should technical terms be defined in research?

When a term is uncommon or has a specific meaning within the study’s context.

What is the first step in creating an IPO conceptual framework?

Determine the inputs (independent variables) of the study.

Why is controlling variables important in quantitative research?

To increase accuracy by isolating the true effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.