LITERATURE REVIEW
- What is a literature review?
Most scholars usually describe literature review as a scholarly paper or an article review type that usually presents some of the current knowledge, such as theoretical contributions, substantive findings, and methodological contributions, as it reflects on a specific topic. It has to be linked to the topic problem being addressed in terms of concepts. In research work, literature reviews tend to form the secondary sources in the sense that it never reports new work. Instead, it usually incorporates academic-oriented literature (Machi & McEvoy, 2012). It is imperative to note that literature reviews do not book reviews. Instead, they are mostly found in academic journals.
Literature reviews are quite instrumental, given that they form the foundation for most research. The researcher has a foundation to build on. Therefore, a literature review can be said to direct both a researcher and a reader to understand the topic being addressed. A researcher who uses a literature review proves that his work is credible because it shows that he actually understands the topic that he is addressing. It proposes the essence of further research. (Machi & McEvoy, 2012). Most scholars prefer including literature reviews to the peer-reviewed articles while analyzing new research. In the end, it provides a perfect context for usage by the reader. Literature reviews can sometimes be part of dissertations, journal articles, or thesis. Other academic contexts that literature reviews are commonly used in prospectus and research proposals. A literature review forms the background of the research. It demonstrates the researcher’s understanding of the topic and his ability to carry out further research on the same. The researcher also uses the literature review as supporting evidence for his new work. It helps the researcher understand what prior research has been done and the need for further research. Moreover, it shows what worked for some researchers and what did not (Onwuegbuzie & Frels, 2016).
- Why is a certain type of literature used?
The literature review usually comes in various forms depending on the research analysis that is being conducted. For a fact, the literature review is usually subdivided into various categories (Machi, & McEvoy, 2012). Common categories, in this case, are the narrative literature review, systematic, integrative, argumentative, and theoretical literature review. The different literature review categories tend to serve various needs during research work and have different approaches. For instance, in argumentative review, this review type usually analyzes literature selectively to either refute or support a particular argument. In some cases, it examines a philosophical issue or an imbedded assumption that is somehow established within the context (Efron, & Ravid, 2019). Most scholars prefer using this literature review type while developing the literature body that creates a contrarian perspective. It can also be used to introduce the issue of bias by making general claims of preference found in a specific topic or concept. Due to the value-laden social science research nature, such as immigration control or educational reform, it remains evident that the argumentative approach incorporated to analyze such literature can be an essential discourse form.
Another common literature review type is a theoretical review (Machi & McEvoy, 2012). This type of review is mostly used when a researcher reflects on a theoretical pool, which has gathered issues, phenomena, and concepts. In fact, it is mostly used as a vital tool, especially in creating particular theories that are in existence. While doing this, this kind of review is vital in analyzing the relationships between theories (Efron, & Ravid, 2019). On the other hand, a theoretical literature review helps in establishing a new hypothesis that the researchers seek to test. It is also used to point out that the current information or theories do not provide adequate information regarding new or emerging issues. Some literature reviews have a certain level of appraisal. For instance, the systematic review is essential when topics of health care and medical processes, and other topics that require methodology and data collection are being addressed. The systematic review is more rigorous, and its structure has to meet certain criteria. Other reviews with a certain level of appraisal are the qualitative and quantitative meta-analysis review. These reviews form a section or the entire systematic review. They are broad and detailed and create a sense of the bigger section of the research (Rhoades & Ellen, 2011).
- What must you include in a literature review?
Like most academic papers, strict measures are always observed when writing a literature review. To have a complete literature review, various aspects must always be incorporated in the reviews. However, scholars must start by ensuring that the three basic elements are part of the review. The three elements, in this case, are the background information or simply the introduction, the body, or rather the discussion and the recommendation section (Machi, & McEvoy, 2012). Apart from the three main elements, any literature review must have several basic components in order to make it complete. Some of the components, in this case, include; an extensive portrayal of the publication, discussion of research gaps, and a complete publication’s summary (Maier, 2013). While doing the summary, the focus should always be placed on the main points (Machi & McEvoy, 2012). The other important components are a discussion of research gaps and topic evaluation. As stated, the literature review explains the basis of further research, or rather the reason for the new research, which is stated in the recommendation or the conclusion sector.
- How do you find the information for a literature review
Conducting a literature review mostly involves collecting, gauging, and analyzing some of the publications, which tend to relate to the specific area of focus. The publications, in this case, include the journal articles. In rare occasions, books are used to provide part of the information needed to conduct the study (Machi, & McEvoy, 2012). The five major steps, which are usually used when writing a review, are; searching for the appropriate periodical, resource evaluation, and identification of themes (gaps and debates), structure outline, and finally, writing down the review.
Finding the right information while doing a literature review can sometimes be challenging for most scholars. However, it is always advisable to start the process by using some of the basic contexts such as journals and books. Reading books and journals tend to provide an important insight that might be based on the research topic (Efron & Ravid, 2019). Another option is to look for technical reports, code documents, and previous thesis. Seeking information from the previous thesis provides the researcher with an idea of what might be needed in the literature review. While at it, a scholar can search for information that is linked directly to the research (Machi, & McEvoy, 2012). Using Google scholar is always advisable since it usually provides extensive detail of items that are being searched. Alternatively, a scholar can opt to find a review paper that is based on the research topic. Using Scopus is also advisable since the platform provides effective searching functions for the user (Efron & Ravid, 2019). On the other hand, it helps in categorizing the content in line with the research paper or rather the area being researched.
References
Efron, S. E., & Ravid, R. (2019). Writing the literature review: A practical guide. New York, NY: The Guilford Press,
Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2012). The literature review: Six steps to success. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Corwin Press.
Maier, H. (2013). What constitutes a good literature review, and why does its quality matter? Environmental Modelling & Software. 43. 3–4. 10.1016/j.envsoft.2013.02.004.
Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Frels, R. (2016). Seven steps to a comprehensive literature review: A multimodal & cultural approach.
Rhoades, E., & Ellen, A. (2011). Literature Reviews. The Volta Review. 111. 354-369. 10.17955/tvr.111.1.677.