Preparing a Literature Review

1. Preparing a Literature Review Prof. Nancy Rivenburgh Department of Communication

2. The Goals of the Literature Review ‘State of the art’

3. The Goals of the Literature Review ‘State of the art’ Placement

4. The Goals of the Literature Review ‘State of the art’ Placement Study Focus

5. Seeking Focus? Try creating a literature map

6. The Goals of the Literature Review ‘State of the art’ Placement Study Focus Study Purpose

7. The Goals of the Literature Review ‘State of the art’ Placement Study Focus Study Purpose Provide a benchmark

8. The Goals of the Literature Review ‘State of the art’ Placement Study Focus Study Purpose Provide a benchmark Establish your voice

9. Placement of Literature Review • Quantitative studies In the beginning to provide direction for research questions and hypothesis • Qualitative studies a. Theory driven (deductive) – in the beginning to offer an orienting framework or concept b. Grounded approach (inductive) options - literature frames problem in introduction - distinct section that reviews methodology - literature is presented at end as a basis of discussing findings

10. Organizing the Literature Review • Synthesize in a way that adds value

11. Organizing the Literature Review • Synthesize in a way that adds value • Create a clear narrative structure

12. Examples of narrative structure Logical progression Interdisciplinary Study Framework Problem Theory or Issue Debate Relevant Areas of Literature Study Focus

13. Organizing the Literature Review • Synthesize in a way that adds value • Create a clear narrative structure • Find the right balance

14. Organizing the Literature Review • Synthesize in a way that adds value • Create a clear narrative structure • Find the right balance • Tell the reader what to ‘carry forward’

15. Writing the Literature Review • Limit to relevant findings, information

16. Writing the Literature Review • Limit to relevant findings, information • Don’t over-quote

17. Writing the Literature Review • Limit to relevant findings, information • Don’t over-quote • Provide instructive signposts

18. Writing the Literature Review • Limit to relevant findings, information • Don’t over-quote • Provide instructive signposts • Avoid jargon

19. Writing the Literature Review • Limit to relevant findings, information • Don’t over-quote • Provide instructive signposts • Avoid jargon • Write in clear and active prose

20. Writing the Literature Review • Limit to relevant findings, information • Don’t over-quote • Provide instructive signposts • Avoid jargon • Write in clear and active prose • Revisit once the study is complete

21. Sounds good…. But how do I get it done? Start with idea / theme (not a topic) Information gather round I (max 50) Focus: refine theme or propose hypothesis; create a working title! Information gather round II (very purposeful; stick to what you need) Organize the Lit Review (identify the narrative structure; map it out) Draft: FAST!!! Just write it. Yes, the whole thing. Don’t revise as you go. Polish: Revise; Scrutinize for clarity, accuracy, flow, interest

22. Thanks! And good luck!