A Comprehensive Review of Literature in Dissertation writing
When IT comes to writing a dissertation, one of the most important components is a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the chosen topic. The literature review serves as the foundation for your research, providing a context for your study and demonstrating your knowledge of the subject. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of conducting a literature review in dissertation writing.
Why is a Literature Review Important?
A literature review allows you to identify and evaluate the existing body of knowledge on your research topic. IT helps you understand the current state of research in your field and discover any gaps or areas that require further investigation. By conducting a thorough literature review, you can build on the work of others, provide a rationale for your research questions, and ensure that your dissertation contributes to the existing knowledge.
Steps in Conducting a Literature Review
1. Identify your research question or objectives: Before you begin your literature review, IT is essential to clearly define your research question or objectives. This will help you stay focused and determine the key areas to search for relevant literature.
2. Search for relevant sources: Start by searching for scholarly articles, books, and other academic sources that are directly related to your research topic. Online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and JSTOR can be excellent resources for finding relevant literature.
3. Evaluate the sources: Once you have identified potential sources, IT is crucial to critically evaluate their quality and relevance. Consider factors such as the author’s expertise, the publication date, and the methodology used in the study. This evaluation will help you determine which sources to include in your literature review.
4. Organize the literature: As you gather more sources, IT is essential to organize them systematically. You can create an annotated bibliography or use a literature review matrix to keep track of the key information from each source, such as the author, publication, main findings, and methodology.
5. Analyze and synthesize the literature: After organizing the literature, you need to analyze and synthesize the findings from the different sources. Look for common themes, patterns, or contradictions in the literature and identify any gaps or areas for further exploration.
6. Write your literature review: Once you have gone through the above steps, you are ready to write your literature review. Start with an introduction that provides the context for your study and clearly states your research question. Then, present the key findings from the literature, organized thematically or chronologically. Finally, conclude your literature review by summarizing the main points and highlighting the gaps in the existing research that your study aims to address.
Tips for writing a Comprehensive Literature Review
1. Start early: The process of conducting a literature review can be time-consuming, so IT is crucial to start early. Give yourself enough time to search for relevant literature, critically evaluate sources, and organize the information.
2. Be selective: IT is not necessary to include every source you come across in your literature review. Instead, focus on the most reputable and relevant sources that directly contribute to your research question.
3. Be critical: When evaluating the literature, be critical of the sources you find. Consider the limitations of the studies, any biases, and potential conflicting findings. This will help you provide a balanced and objective review.
4. Use a systematic approach: Organize your literature review in a logical and coherent manner. This will make IT easier for readers to follow your arguments and understand the progression of ideas.
Conclusion
A comprehensive review of literature is a vital component of any dissertation. IT helps situate your research within the existing knowledge, identify gaps, and provide a rationale for your study. By following the steps outlined in this article and adopting a critical approach, you can write a thorough and well-structured literature review that adds value to your dissertation.
FAQs
Q1. How many sources should I include in my literature review?
There is no fixed number of sources to include in your literature review. The quantity will depend on various factors, such as the scope of your research, the depth of existing literature on your topic, and the requirements of your academic institution. However, IT is generally recommended to include a sufficient number of high-quality sources to support your arguments and demonstrate your knowledge of the field.
Q2. How do I know if a source is reputable?
When evaluating the credibility of a source, consider factors such as the reputation and expertise of the author, the publication venue, the peer-review process, and the currency of the publication. Academic journals and books published by reputable publishers are generally considered more reliable sources of information.
Q3. How can I contribute to the existing knowledge through my literature review?
Through your literature review, you can identify gaps in the current research and propose areas that require further investigation. Highlight these gaps and clearly state how your study aims to address them. By doing so, you are making a valuable contribution to the existing knowledge on your research topic.
Q4. Can I include outdated sources in my literature review?
While IT is important to include recent and up-to-date sources in your literature review, there may be instances where older sources still hold relevance. For example, if you are tracing the historical development of a particular theory or concept, including seminal works from earlier years can be essential. However, exercise caution and ensure that the majority of your sources are recent and reflect the current state of research in your field.
As you embark on your dissertation writing journey, remember that a comprehensive review of literature forms the backbone of your research. By conducting a systematic review of existing knowledge, you can build a strong foundation for your study, contribute to the academic discourse, and produce a high-quality dissertation.
