Making preparations for a literature review
As you begin your PhD, or indeed any type of research, you will be required to conduct a review of literature. Are you unfamiliar with the term "literature review" or why it is required? This section discusses the purpose and scope of the literature review.
What exactly is a literature review?
The literature review explores previously published work on the subject of your research. Its purpose is to inform the reader about the state of your field of study and to critically appraise existing literature. The primary goals are to:
路聽聽聽聽聽 Summarize what has already been done in your research area to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the field and how your research relates to it.
路聽聽聽聽聽 Identify gaps, problems, or limitations in existing research to place your work within the context of the larger field and make room for your unique contribution.
路聽聽聽聽聽 Identify sources that will help you with your research and provide context or frameworks for one鈥檚 analysis.
The literature review is critical for demonstrating both your academic knowledge (identifying and evaluating appropriate resources) and the development of your analytical thinking in response to this material.
The literature review is not intended to be:
路聽聽聽聽聽 A collection of all materials related to your research field, regardless of their relevance to your project.
路聽聽聽聽聽 Annotated bibliography of books and articles
路聽聽聽聽聽 A material synopsis with no critical commentary
In many disciplines, the outcomes from the literature are usually written as a separate section or chapter of your research, but this is not always the case. Certain disciplines have their own set of conventions, or the conventions may vary according to the type of research conducted.
LR - A valuable research instrument
Despite the fact that a literature review is a formal requirement of a research project, it is critical in the development of your research. It should not be regarded as a time-consuming exercise to be completed as quickly as possible or as something to scurry through at the conclusion of the thesis!