RESEARCH METHODS

Research Methods

Table of Contents

Task 13

1.1 Why is it important for your research investigation that you be critical when reviewing the literature?3

1.2 What might Sarah's project tutor mean by suggesting that a critical literature review should be balanced?4

1.3 What does Sarah need to do to develop a literature review which is sufficiently critical, yet also sufficiently balanced?5

Task Two6

2.1 Reasons for research topic6

2.2 Research Question7

2.3 Full bibliographic reference list is given at the end7

2.4 Research question to meet the criteria7

REFERENCES10

Research Methods

Task 1

1.1 Why is it important for your research investigation that you be critical when reviewing the literature?

Ans1.1- It is important for the research investigation to be critical when reviewing the literature because it requires consideration of many factors that create an effect on the research. The first task needed is to compare the research question with the previous research conducted on the same topic. Secondly, the strengths and weaknesses of the previous research should be analysed to compare it with the traits of the present research. The objectivity factor also carries immense importance for any research. The researcher needs to present the objective of research in order to conduct an assessment of several characteristics discussed in the research. The inclusion of those research papers should be mentioned in the literature that stated counter arguments against the research topic. Facts and opinions must be distinguished clearly in the research to avoid any confusion for the readers. The judgements should be made about the researcher's own topic and other researcher's work. This will assist in properly highlighting the differences between the original research topic and other author's research work.

There are masses of information about any topic generated by universities and countries all over the world. A critical eye is required to check the merit and legitimacy of information. Going though many past research work of other author's one should distinguish between well crafted writings from rest, and, also check which research conclusion drawn on merit. Some research works might be biased, or, the author might not have published whole of the research due to many reasons. What method did, the author took for his findings? and how does it influence the results? It is not just enough to illustrate others findings, but people must also see it with a critical eye and evaluate its importance to our educational needs (Poole, 2000, 111).

1.2 What might Sarah's project tutor mean by suggesting that a critical literature review should be balanced?

Ans1.2- The reasons because of which Sarah's project tutor suggested that a critical literature review should be balanced are that it is important for not supporting a view presented by the authors in their research papers. Whether there is a supporting view or opposing view for the research topic, but the researcher should not favour one singular view. The balanced approach provides an opportunity for the researcher to analyse several arguments and views related with the topic. It becomes very useful for the researcher in providing the correct justification for the ...