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Galvan, Jose L. 1999. Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Los Angeles, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.
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Information Sources
Primary (empirical) sources*****
original; empirical; first published account details on methodology, findings, and discussion systematic observation (carefully planned)
Secondary sources
found in books, magazines, newspapers global descriptions of findings
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Sampling
Measurement
flawed instrumentation (surveys, interviews, observation, experimentation) multiple measures -- consistent results?
Problem identification
researchers studying same problem might examine 3 different specific (narrow) areas of the problem 3
Other Sources
Theoretical articles
theory built on existing empirical work pieces of theory can be tested empirically follow up on leads in bibliography
Writing Process
Planning
defining a topic and selecting literature
Organizing
analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating review articles
Drafting
writing a first draft of the review
Editing
checking draft for completeness, cohesion, correctness
Redrafting
Ask questions of your instructor -- understand expectatns Keep your topic narrow; choose a well-defined topic Use textbook subheadings or articles to help you choose 8 8 Get feedback on drafts (if possible)
Identifying Literature
Search an appropriate database
can start with general topic better to start with more specific topic, but can narrow down a general topic after seeing list of articles
Pick on-line databases that are appropriate for your topic As you search databases for articles and narrow your search, redefine your topic more narrowly. Start with the most current and work backwards
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Search for theoretical articles in databases and bibliographies of articles Search for review articles, proposals, meta-analyses 12 12 Identify landmark or classic studies
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Nonexperimental:
participants traits measured without attempting to change them quantitative or qualitative do not use the term experiment to describe, use study, investigation, etc.
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Synthesizing Literature
1. Decide purpose and voice
Purpose:
term paper, dissertation/thesis, journal article?
Voice:
formal, de-emphasize self, avoid first person (usually)
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Synthesizing Literature
3. Create a topic outline that traces your argument
establish for the reader the line of argumentation (thesis) develop a traceable narrative that demonstrates the loa is worthwhile and justified (writer formed judgments about topic based on analysis and synthesis of lit) TO is roadmap of argument.
Starts with assertion, then introduction, systematic review of relevant literature, and ends with conclusion that relates back to original assertion
Synthesizing Literature
5. Within each topic heading, note relationships among studies
can subgroups be created?
Add detail to your outline
Synthesizing Literature
7. How do individual studies advance theory?
Often researchers will discuss this in their studies -- use their expertise.
Synthesizing Literature
9. Plan to present conclusions and implications
conclusion: statement about state of knowledge using degrees of evidence.
it seems safe to conclude that... one conclusion might be...
if weight of evidence does not favor one conclusion over the other, say so implication: statement of what people or organizations should do in light of existing research.
What actions (interventions) seem promising based on review you are now an expert and can offer conclusions and 26 26 implications.
Synthesizing Literature
10. Plan to suggest directions for future research
make specific (relevant) suggestions about gaps
can be populations (understudied groups), methodologies, etc
2. Indicate why certain studies are important 3. If commenting on timeliness, be specific 4. If citing a classic or landmark, say so 5. If landmark was replicated, say so and state result 6. Discuss other lit reviews on topic 7. Refer reader to other reviews on related topics 28 8. Justify comments such28as no studies were found
10. Check flow of argument for coherence (does manuscript hold together33as unified document) 33
4. Check style manual for correct use of citations 5. Avoid using synonyms for recurring words
allow the reader to compare across studies and internalize 34 34 information quickly
complete sentences avoid first person avoid sexist language strive for clarity use active voice 0-9 spell out, >10 write spell out number when first word in sentence.
identify field of study and point of view help reader adopt frame of reference avoid cute titles 36 keep it short
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Incorporating Feedback..Refining
Put the ms aside for a time to create some distance Remember that writing is an ongoing process of negotiation between writer and audience Approach draft from viewpoint of audience member Get feedback from anyone who will read your paper DO NOT BE PERSONALLY OFFENDED BY SOMEONES CRITICAL EVALUATION of your work!!!!!
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Incorporating Feedback..Refining
1. The reader is always right
if the reader did not understand a point, rewrite it.
What needs to be clarified? What specifically is the trouble?
Incorporating Feedback..Refining
5. Reconcile comments about style with a style manual 6. Allow plenty of time for feedback and redrafting process
at least one or two drafts!!
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