The Literature Review

3 edition

Six Steps To Success

Lawrence A. Machi
Brenda T. McEvoy
Introduction
Doing and Producing a
Literature Review

An Overview
 The Literature Review Defined

A literature review is a written document that

presents a logically argued case founded on a
comprehensive understanding of the current
state of knowledge about a topic of study. This
case establishes a convincing thesis to answer
the study’s question.
 Research
Interest
Answers Identifies

Research Research
Thesis Topic

Discovers Specifies
and and
advocates
Literature frames
Review

Figure I.1
 Research
Answers Interest Identifies

Research Research
Project Topic

Determines Specifies
nature and
and scope frames

Research Literature
Question Review

Research
Defines Discovers
Thesis
further and
research advocates

Figure I.2
 6. Communicate and
evaluate the
conclusions 1. Recognize and
1. define a problem
6.
Select a
Write the
Topic
Thesis

Doing a Literature Review is

5.
Critique 2.
scholarly exercise employing an
5. Draw
the
Literature
Develop Tools of
Argumentation 2. Create a process for
conclusions solving the problem
applied critical thinking process.
4. 3.
Survey the Search the
Literature Literature

4. Discover the evidence and

3. Collect and compile
build the argument
information

Figure I.3
 1.
Select a Topic
Addresses Specifies
and answers

6. 2.
Write the Develop Tools of
Thesis Argumentation

Advocates Organizes
and defines and forms

5. 3.
Critique the Search the
Literature Literature

Documents
4.
and discovers Explores
Survey the and catalogs
Literature

Figure I.4
 Inquisitive

Skeptical
Intellectual Independent
Disposition
s Honest

Mindset
How I
Choose to Be
and Act.
Decision-
Making Action
Dispositions Dispositions
Reasoned and Persistence
logical thinking
Patience
Circumspect
thinking Deliberation

Collegiality

Figure I.5
 Self-Regulation
• Quality control of your
thinking process.
• Reflecting on and monitoring
your work procedures and
thinking processes.
• Checking the accuracy and
validity of the work
Self-Correction
• The reflective thinker
reviews the work and
thinking being done, and
corrects deficiencies.
• What I do?
• How did it work?
• What do I do next?

Self-Assessment
• Reflecting on your analytical
reasoning.
• Reflecting on factors
constraining your accuracy ,
objectivity, and rationality.
• Reflecting on your mindset
influences a fair and
unbiased interpretation of
the project work.
Reflective Oversight
 The Ethics of Scholarly Work
Do not take data out of context.

Do your own research.

Present only what you believe to be factual.

Present all sides of the question.

Plagiarism can easily sneak into a review unless it is

carefully avoided.
You must be the sole writer of your literature review.
 Pack Wisely Before You Begin
• First, as a reviewer, you should organize a workspace free
from distractions.
• You will also need,
– Minimally, at least one high-quality dictionary and thesaurus.
– Reference works on research methods and writing skills can also be
useful.
• As with any complex project, the literature review demands
concentrated mental focus.
• Having a plan increases productivity. Develop a three-level
plan.
– First, create an overall project plan and timeline.
– Second, subdivide the overall plan into sections that act as
intermediate goals for the project.
– Finally, build daily plans from the subsections to schedule the work
for each daily session.
 Tips
• Study carefully the literature review model.
Memorize it if possible. Use this flow chart to
keep yourself on track.
• Select a topic that is important to you. A subject
of true concern or curiosity will produce better
work than a topic chosen for expediency.
• Writing starts now! Journal ideas, questions, and
your current understanding of the material.
Develop a project journal to catalog your work
and reflective thought as you work.
• Plan every step. Going back to pick up missed
steps takes far more time.