Writing Literature Reviews Chapter One/Two

Jose Galvan

Primary Sources—first published accounts of research

In-depth discussion of methodology and findings

Primary sources can be state-of-the-art or cutting-edge

Why focus on Empirical Research?

All empirical research is flawed and should be interpreted with caution Sampling Issues

generalizability Measurement

Multiple methods Measurement error

Problem Identification Problems are often narrowly defined Limited scope can distort reality

Type 1:Empirical Research Reports

Not all articles relate research some cover theories

Many theoretical articles lead to predictions that run counter to common sense

Choosing a theory can help organize your literature review

Type 2: Theoretical Articles

Some journals regularly carry review articles that summarize the literature by reviewing many research studies

These articles can produce insights such as resolving conflicts in the literature, identifying new ways of interpreting the literature, and laying out a path for future research

This is the type of writing you will be doing in this class

Type 3: Literature Review Articles

Some journals will allow authors to report experiences on the basis of a single case

This research can be insightful, but in general is seriously deficient in generalizability and rigor

It’s like sugar and fat in the food guide pyramid—USE SPARINGLY

Type 4: Anecdotal Reports

Literature Reviews are used for: Doctoral and Masters Theses

Usually very long to show complete command of the literature

Research articles or reports Usually short and very specific

Course papers Pre-determined length used to show ability to

synthesize the works of others into a coherent argument

Writing for a Specific Purpose

Defining a Topic Identifying the literature Selecting Relevant Articles Organizing Your notes and thoughts Drafting, Editing, Redrafting

Planning to Write

Stage 1 preliminary library search and selection of topic

Stage 2 reading list and preliminary paper outline

Stage 3 first draft of paper Stage 4 revised final draft of paper

Writing a Term Paper