M7: Gathering Literature

Theoretical Framework

- It consists of theories, principles, generalizations and research findings which are closely related to the present study under investigation. - It is where the present research problem under study evolved. Authors of these theories and principles should be cited. As much as possible research findings and theories should be correct.

Synthesis

- combine two or more elements to form a new whole. In literature review, the "elements" are the findings of the literature one gathers and reads, the "new whole" is the conclusion he draws from those findings. - The purpose is to draw conclusions about the findings in the literature so that one can identify how the literature addresses his research question.

Literature review

- exercises to analyze the area of the research, which has been resolved in the study. It is the outline of the research. It also shows the gap between the researcher's curiosity and knowledge of the subject area (Boswell & Cannon 2009). - includes research findings, published or unpublished theories and principles formulated by experts or authorities in some fields or discipline, and ideas or opinions of experts contained in books, pamphlets, magazines and periodicals. It should be written in terms of the purpose of the study, giving more weight to studies considered more authoritative as evaluated and should give preference to primary rather than secondary sources. - should be organized thematically to conform with the specific problems. It should be synthesized such that evidence from all the studies reviewed would get an overall understanding of the state of knowledge in the problem area. - should provide an overview of concepts that will be discussed in your study. It should better prepare the reader for your study and results. The literature review sets the context, the stage of your study.

Coherence

- is an important element in writing Review of Related Literature. This comes from the Latin verb "cohere" which means "hold together".

Conceptual Framework

- provides a general structure of concepts that help inform the boundaries of your study. It is the 3 or 5 topics your readers need to understand in order to better understand your results. - It is the schematic diagram which shows the variables included in the study. Arrows of the line should be properly placed and connected between boxes to show the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. All the independent and dependent variables should be clearly discussed and explained how these would influence the results of the study.

Ethics in Writing RRL:

1. Carefulness 2. Openness 3. Honesty 4. Integrity 5. Confidentiality 6. Legality 7. Objectivity 8. Responsible Publication

Review of Related Literature in a capsule:

1. Familiarizes the reader with previous studies done related to the present topic 2. Helps to give more focus, direction, and clarity to the study. 3. Avoids the unnecessary duplication of selecting a research problem which has been done before. 4. Serves as a source of research problems which can be gathered from existing studies 5. Serves as a basis for the development of the theoretical/ conceptual framework 6. Ensures that important variables relevant to the study are not overlooked 7. Establishes the need/ significance /justification in conducting the present study 8. Provides a historical background. Perspective about the study

Theoretical Framework guide:

1. Is there a particular theory that relates to your study that helps guide your individual understanding of your study, data collection methods, and/or data analysis? It generally provides an overview. 2. You may be applying to a specific context to see if you get similar results. 3. The theory (theories) may also explain relationships between concepts. 4. The theory can be a part of your literature review or it can be separate. You will make the decision.

Four ways to achieve coherence:

1. Repeat key nouns 2. Use consistent pronouns. 3. Use transition signals to link ideas 4. Arrange your ideas in logical order.

Three things to consider when writing your literature review:

1. Write a synthesized synopsis of current literature; not a list of everything that has ever been written about said subject. 2. The review should include 3-5 important concepts the readers need to understand in order to be properly setup for your study and findings. 3. Include any theories that you will use in data collection and data analysis.

The Importance of a Literature Review in Research Writing:

1. appraises, encapsulates, compares and contrasts, and correlates various scholarly books, research articles, and other relevant sources that are directly related to your current research. 2. helps create a rapport with the readers. 3. Helps You Avoid Incidental Plagiarism. 4. Sharpens Your Research Focus.

Concept

- (also called Constructs) is an abstract or generalized idea about an object or phenomenon. Ex - Activism, Self-Esteem, or Anxiety