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Writing MSc Thesis Lecture4: Literature review
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Lecture 4 Literature review
Writing MSc Thesis
Lecture 4: Literature review
Prof. Dr. Qasim M. Shakir
University of Kufa/Faculty of Eng. /Civil Dept.
Literature review is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of
current knowledge and or methodological approaches on a particular topic.
Or, in other words it is a critical analysis of published knowledge through
summary, classification, and comparison of previous research studies or
other texts. In literature review (LR) you should demonstrate your
proficiency in the given area, ability to critically view the present state of
your topic area.
Your supervisor will give you the very basic sources, but further search is
up to you. You are supposed to read a lot, but definitely not every book or
paper you have read will be used in LR.
Types of sources for LR
Primary sources are original contributions give results obtained in the
research, statistics, historical documents etc. and in technology they can be
in the form of research papers published in journals, conference
proceedings, project reports or others.
Secondary sources: analyze, interpret or discuss primary sources (or
general theoretical background. These can be review articles or of books.
You should balance both types of sources. Secondary sources will give you
more general theoretical background to your research area, primary sources
then enable you to describe the state of the art and justify the choice of the
topic (There are still some gaps in the research - I will fill them in my MT).
Preparing to write LR
1. Search Using Key Terms
Finding the right keywords will help you find relevant literature. You can
save time by skimming the abstracts first.
Finding articles using key terms may result in finding new key terms to
search, and the articles will lead you directly to other articles related to
what you are studying. It becomes like a snowball rolling downhill.
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Lecture 4 Literature review
Note that the vast majority of your sources should be articles from peer-
reviewed journals.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Literature
You are showing your reader that you’ve fully explored the (forest) of your
topic and chosen this particular path, leading to these particular questions
(your research questions), for these particular reasons.
3. Consider Gaps in the Research
The gaps in the research are where current knowledge ends and your study
begins. You must demonstrate that it:
Is worthy to be studied? and has not already been studied?
Pay special attention to the recommendations for further research that the
authors of studies make.
4. Organize What You Find
As you find articles, you will have to come up with methods to organize
what you find. Whether you find a computer-based system (endNote,
Mendeley, etc.) or manual system.
One way to save time and keep things organized is to cut and paste relevant
quotations (and their references).Then, paraphrasing later.
Write the LR
1. Create an Outline
LR may be organized in several ways, the most common are:
By topic. This is by far the most common approach,. Topics are things like
servant leadership, transformational leadership.
By Chronologically. In some cases, it makes sense to tell the story of how
knowledge and thought on a given subject have evolved.
By methodology. Some students organize their literature review by the
methodology of the studies.
2. Write the Paragraphs
When you write about the findings of others, you can do it in small, discrete
time periods. You go down the path awhile, then you rest.
Then, you can then piece them together. You can write each piece without
worrying about the flow of the chapter.
3. Analyze
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Lecture 4 Literature review
The literature review is a demonstration of your ability to think critically
about existing research and build meaningfully on it in your study. Avoid
simply stating what other researchers said. Find the relationships between
studies, note where researchers agree and disagree, and– especially–relate
it to your own study.
Pay special attention to controversial issues, and don’t be afraid to give
space to researchers who you disagree with. Including differing opinions
will only strengthen the credibility of your study, as it demonstrates that
you’re willing to consider all sides.
4. Justify the Methodology
Chapter Two should include some background on the methodology you
will use. Providing references and samples of where the planned
methodology has been used will help your reader trust the outcomes.
Important Points to be considered:
When you have finished your LR, check it against the following checklist:
All major points of the topic are covered it the review.
The same attention is given to all variables.
The flow of ideas is logical, well organized, and the text is not
fragmented (good text flow).
The approach to the sources is critical and analytical rather than just
summarizing.
The review contains opposing points of view, not only one, and the
previous research is commented.
The content is indicated in Intro and is in accordance with it.
The LR deals with the purpose statement and research questions, and
gives the background.
Each research question/subtopic is covered with mainly current
literature.
LR is based on academic/scientific sources, not popular magazines or
web pages.
All major sections/chapters are summarized at the end (general - specific
– general approach).
The bibliography contains at least the minimum required sources
(specified by the Faculty or supervisor; may differ substantially).
Majority of sources are from past 5-8 years (depending on the area - fast
developing area requires mainly latest literature).
There is a balance between primary and secondary sources.
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Lecture 4 Literature review
The ideas from literature are paraphrased or summarized (the amount of
quotations in technology is minimal).
Various points of view are combined in the review, i.e. more sources are
cited, not only one.
The citation is in accordance with requirements.
Contents of Chapter Two
Introduction
State the problem and the purpose of the study.
Give a brief synopsis of literature that establishes the relevance of
the problem.
Very briefly summarize the major sections of your chapter.
Topic 1
Sub-topic a
Sub-topic b
Topic 2
Topic 3
Sub-topic a
Sub-topic b
Sub-topic c
Topic 4
Summary
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