Module 4: Guidelines for Writing a Literature Review

Review of Related Literature

Involves survey, summary, and critical evaluation of documents to identify gaps, interpret prior research, and justify further investigation.

Literature Review

Connects similar studies, contrasts findings, identifies limitations, and focuses on the area of the proposal.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Criteria set to identify appropriate target populations for research questions/hypotheses.

Keywords

Terms used to describe subject areas, aiding in minimizing irrelevant returns in literature searches.

Paper Management Systems

Software like Mendeley for managing research papers and citations.

APA Style

Prescriptions of the American Psychological Association for writing scientific papers.

Direct Quotation

Exact replication of an author's words, to be used sparingly in research papers.

Paraphrasing

Restating an author's information or opinions accurately in one's own words with proper citation.

Classical Studies

Studies and theorists providing a framework or context for a research study.

General to Specific

Movement of ideas in a literature review from broad to specific topics.

Framing of the Problem

Setting the background/context necessary for understanding the research problem or gap.

Flowing Essay

Organized literature review presented as a single coherent piece.

Research Problem

Identified gap or issue in existing literature that the proposed study aims to address.

Contribution of Study

Significance of addressing the research problem or gap in improving knowledge in the field.

Citations

References to sources used in the literature review, following specific formatting guidelines.

Themes

Guiding concepts used to present the contents of the literature review.

Research Material Analysis

Critical evaluation of literature, identifying gaps, achievements, and research questions.

Outline

Structured plan including sub-topics covering themes and major ideas from reviewed materials.

mendeley

Aside from the traditional paper-and-pencil method, there are available paper management systems, such as __, that are downloadable from the net.

true

t or f

When paraphrasing a source, make sure to express the author's information or opinions accurately and in your own words, and provide proper citation to that work.

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true

t or f

An insightful review does not just present a summary or synthesis of literature. It must also critically analyze the research material, identify methodological problems and reveal existing gaps