How to write the literature review._dr_esi_akyere_mensah.pptx
- 2. Introduction To assess latent and related literature on the project topic, to enable the researcher carve out the scope within which to work. • help the researcher prevent repeat or copy what somebody has already done (plagiarism) which is a punishable offence. • It makes the researcher stay on track and prevents topic deviation • convey to the reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on the topic, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. • Justify why they are doing that research
- 3. Review of Concepts 3 Identify the key words and concepts in your topic Look at your research objectives Based on 1&2 search for ; Peer reviewed Journals, Books, Reports, Conference Proceedings, Theses ( i.e literature on the subject matter) Read said literature and for each article note the following; What message is the writer putting across?- main argument (s) Why ?-rationale behind the paper How? – what theory, methods, approaches, research design, data collection ,sampling and presentation techniques were used to arrive at his/her arguments When?- Note the time period this article was published as well as the time period(s) article makes reference to. So what?- what next steps/ recommendations and conclusions are made by the article? (see table 6) 5. Compile these and see if there is a trend /pattern 6. You are now ready to start writing!
- 4. SAMPLE LITERATURE REVIEW TABLE 4
- 5. Structure of the Review 1. Introduction- Tell reader structure of the literature review chapter. Sample A: This chapter presents the relevant literature on the TAST, community-tourism relationships as well as the theoretical framework guiding the study. The review of literature is presented in three parts. The first part discusses the issues and perspectives involved in the TAST 200 years since its abolition, whereas the second part focuses on relevant concepts and theoretical framework underpinning the study and the final part delves into the impacts of tourism. Sample B : This review begins with a discussion on the origins of volunteerism and continues with a discourse of the literature on reciprocity. The discussion then continues with a section on the concept of power and theories of exchange. 5
- 6. Structure of the Review 2. Discuss the themes of the literature review as specified in the introduction. • a)You can choose to begin with a historical overview of the KEY CONCEPTS (s) in the work Sample A: THE ABOLITION OF THE TAST: ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES Since the abolition of chattel slave trade two hundred years ago, the issues and perspectives involved in the slave trade has assumed increasing importance in both academic and geo-political circles. In its wake, many scholars, governments and the international community spearheaded by UNESCO are coming to terms with the repercussions of the trade especially on former slave towns and sites. Perbi (2004) suggests two reasons why the subject of slavery continues to fascinate our ‘historical imagination’ (Smith & Miller, 1988). 6
- 7. Structure of the Review 2a. • Sample B: The Concept of Volunteerism Govender & Rogerson (2010) assert that the origins of international volunteer work lies in the 19th century practice of colonialism and missionary work, which was essentially a lopsided relationship between passive beneficiaries (host) and “enlightened” reformers (guest). Post-colonial volunteer organizations such as the United States Peace Corps and the British Voluntary Service Organization, have been credited with shaping the course of contemporary international volunteerism. Beginning with the service learning programs of the 1960s, volunteerism has gradually become an accepted part of global citizenship. 7
- 8. Structure of the Review 2a. • Sample B: • The Concept of Reciprocity 42 The Dynamics of Reciprocity in Cross Cultural Contact 43 Social Exchange Theory 46 • The Concept of Power 48 The Five Basis of Power 49 VeneKlasen & Miller (2002) Typology of Power 51 The Distribution of Power 53 Pluralist versus Elitist Perspectives 53 Discourse of Power as Agency 55 • The Concept of Host Community 57 8
- 9. Reviewing the concept • For each concept note review; a) Definition –are there problems with it? b) Origins- whose idea was it? c) Popular theory/theories used to study it d) Findings of empirical works done based on the particular concept 9
- 10. Reviewing the Concept(s) Alternatively; 2. b) Organisation by theoretical premises – if the chosen field of interest contains several competing theories, they can be discussed in turn and then brought together in a critical analysis. 2. b) Grouping similar findings of previous research. 10
- 11. Reviewing the Concept(s) 11 • 3. Finding the Gaps and Developing the critique • An important task in critically assessing the literature as a body of work (rather than as isolated items) lies in clearly establishing ; • the links between the various readings that have been selected, • and (ii) the links between these readings and the central topic. • What are the weakness/shortfalls in the articles? • What counter arguments can you think of based on – context of study, methods used, sample adequacy,generalisations made, time period etc
- 12. Discussion Of Specific Topical Issues • Important issues which haven’t been touched in the review of concepts. • These topics should help make the topic much clearer. Sample A: Motivations for Volunteer Tourism Pros and Cons of Volunteer Tourism Asymmetries of Power in Tourism Dynamics of Language in Host Tourist Encounters 12
- 13. Empirical Review of Literature • Examine the findings of previous research related to your research topic ( refer to slide 4 & 9) Examine findings ; • Globally • Regionally • Nationally • Your Specific case study area 13
- 14. Gaps in the Literature • The gap, also considered the missing piece or pieces in the research literature, is the area that has not yet been explored or is under-explored. • This could be a population or sample (size, type, location, etc.), research method, data collection and/or analysis, or other research variables or conditions. • Researchers can use the discussion and future research sections of articles or thesis to understand what the researchers have found and where they point out future or additional research areas. 14
- 15. 15 Conceptual/ Theoretical Framework Out Of The Discussion Of The Concepts ( Slide 8) A List Of Theories Should Arise. These are the theories that have been put forward to explain the relationship among the variables in your interested Topic. The Theoretical Framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. All related theories and models should be reviewed under this section
- 16. 16 Conceptual/ theoretical Framework/Model • Based on reviewed concepts, underlying theories, models and critiques, how do you define the work? • What variables are related to each other given the specific case you want to study? • How do you think things are related to or not related to each other, these should guide you to develop your Conceptual/ Theoretical frame work for your study • The Conceptual/ Theoretical Frame work can be one that already exists or you may want to develop your own based on what already exists ( modify an existing one). • You can give a graphical rendition of it or it can just text only
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- 18. A social enterprise model 18
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- 20. 20 After the Conceptual /Theoretical Framework/Model • For some works ( quantitative or mixed methods) you may develop hypothesis. It should be measurable. • It should provide tentative explanation of the research problem, a possible outcome of the research, or an educated guess about the research outcome. • It should link the variables in the conceptual/theoretical framework • Qualitative researchers develop propositions.
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Editor's Notes
- #3: Lit. review is a test of the researchers ability to read wide and search various sources for information and also confirms if the researcher has an original idea from previous research done in the same area.
- #4: A quick read of the abstract can provide almost all these details
- #20: Alumni perceptions on quality of higher education institution
- #22: SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND SDGS