Introduction to Literature

1. Create a Research folder in your email.
2. As you find articles, book chapters, videos, etc, email yourself copies & URLs you find.
3. Collect resources in the email Research folder for easy reference.
4. Know what the assignment requires before you start. What are the learning objectives?

Databases:

• Review: Short evaluation or assessment of a work. It may include the reviewer's thoughts and opinions. 
• Analysis: Detailed discussion and interpretation of themes, symbols, etc. in a work.
• Critique is a more comprehensive evaluation or assessment of a work,including: detailed analysis; discussion of other critiques; critic's personal views.

A literature review should: 

• Provide a comprehensive and updated review of the literature;
• Explain why this review has taken place;
• Articulate a position or hypothesis;
• Acknowledge and account for conflicting and corroborating points of view.

Purpose of a Literature Review

A literature review can be written as an introduction to a study to:

• Demonstrate how a study fills a gap in research
• Compare a study with other research that's been done

Or it can be a separate work (a research article on its own) which:

• Organizes or describes a topic
• Describes variables within a particular issue/problem

 Limitations of a literature review are:

• It's only a snapshot in time. Unlike other reviews, this one has beginning, a middle and an end.
• There may be nullifying future developments that could make your work less relevant.
• It may be too focused. Some niche studies may miss the bigger picture.
• It is difficult to be comprehensive. There is no way to make sure all the literature on a topic was considered.
• It is easy to be biased if you stick to top tier journals. There are other places where people are publishing exemplary research.
  • Look to open access publications and conferences to reflect a more inclusive collection.
  • Act objectively: Make sure to include opposing views, not just supporting evidence.