LITERATURE REVIEW PROCESS

Literature Review Process

Literature Review Process

Introduction

There must be a concise presentation of existing literature, both within the subject of inquiry and areas closely related to it. It is not expected that every related aspect will be discussed in the literature review, but reasons for omissions of key areas should be set out. This will ensure the examiner recognises a rational basis for their exclusion.

Literature Review Process

Demonstrate by direct reference to the literature review how the review process has influenced the development and identification of the research question and where your study can contribute to the body of knowledge. Don't assume the reader/examiner has any idea about the field, even if he or she is an acknowledged expert. Explain all terms, especially professional terms, social jargon and phrases. Use footnotes (sparingly) to offer key definitions relevant to the chosen theoretical perspective. Organising and making sense of such a large amount of information is not easy (Greenhalgh 2001). There may be a pattern within the literature that enables the identification of specific themes or ideas that can then be used as headings to present the literature review. In most cases, there are a number of influences reflected in the literature, commonly focusing on:

•historical influences

•social influences

•political agendas

•economic considerations

•practice/clinical context

One approach is to divide the literature review into headings, as those suggested above. They may also help you identify priority areas and elements most appropriate to the investigation. Depending on the word limit, it may be best to concentrate on two or more of these subject areas, guided by the perspective taken in the research. Be critical of the material presented. There are many tools you can use to help with the process, such as the critical skills appraisal programme (CASP) framework.

It is impossible to be dogmatic about the form and content of a literature review; it depends somewhat on the topic. You do now have to follow my recipe slavishly; intelligent dissent is admired and encouraged.

A literature review that is part of a thesis is different from what you are doing as part of coursework: A thesis literature review culminates in research questions and hypotheses on which the research to be done is based. Your literature review should finish with a list of the unresolved issues and/or questions meriting further research but you do not have to develop hypotheses.

The title is a very important part of your literature review. It tells the reader what you are investigating and indicates the scope of your investigation. The title can be too narrow (you can't find any reference to the topic) or too broad (there are far too many references).

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