Literature Reviews

What is a secondary source?

-General or partial descriptions of the original study that may not include any details of the methodology, results, or discussion -paraphrased statements of the original work may not be the intended context of original author

Tips for searching the literature

1. Brainstorm search terms 2. Be INCLUSIVE rather than exclusive (and) 3. Include synonyms 4. Consider the terms/jargon used by other disciplines 5. Do not relay only on OT sources

5 ways to organize the body of the paper

1. Chronological (in order it was conducted) 2. By publication (group by type of research or field) 3. Trends (changes in data over time) 4. Thematic (organize around constructs) 5. Methodological (group by research design)

2 step process of literature reviews

1. Conducting the review 2. Writing the literature review

What is involved in conducting the literature review?

1. Defining the topic 2. Search for and locate literature 3. Select relevant literature 4. Read entire articles, analyze, synthesize

What is a literature review?

1. Has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis 2. Summary= recaps the important info from articles 3. Synthesis= re-organization of information in a way that may inform how you are planning to investigate a research problem

3 basic elements of a literature review paper

1. Introduction or background information 2. Body of the review containing the analysis, discussion, and syntheses 3. Conclusion and/or recommendations section to end the paper

What is the purpose of the synthesis section of a literature review?

1. New interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations 2. Tracing intellectual progression of the topic 3. May advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant aspects of research information 4. May include implications

Purpose of the introduction

1. Provides overview of the topic or issue 2. Defines the topic, issue, problem, question, or area of concern 3. Explains why it is important and your reasons (objectives) for this review paper 4. Can explain your stance and the paper's organizational structure

What is the purpose of a literature review?

1. To understand a problem or question being studied by placing each work in the context of its contribution 2. To describe the relationship of each work 3. Reveal any gaps that exist in the literature 4. Resolve conflicts among previous contradictory studies 5. Identify prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort 6. Identify a direct need for research 7. Fit your own research within the context of existing literature

What is involved in writing the literature review?

1. Understand the purpose of the review 2. Planning, organizing, drafting, editing, and revising or redrafting

What is the first step before beginning a literature review?

Making an outline

What is a primary source?

Original reports **should be the focus of your search