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Chapter 3
This document discusses conducting a literature review for research. It covers searching existing literature, reviewing selected literature, and developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks. The key steps are to search sources like journals, books and the internet on the topic; critically analyze theories, methodologies and findings of prior studies; and identify what is known and unknown to help refine the research problem and design. Developing frameworks helps organize relevant information and theories to contextualize the study within existing knowledge. The literature review is then written thematically to describe theories, trends and findings from previous research.
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Chapter 3
- 1. Reviewing the literature Kumar:Research Methodology Chapter 3
- 2. Topics covered Functionof literature review How to review the literature Searching for existing literature Reviewing selected literature Developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks How to write a literature review
- 3. Function of literaturereview A literature review is an integral part of the research process Providing a theoretical background to a study: Bringing clarity and focus to the research problem Improving research methodology Broadening knowledge base in the research area of interest Contextualising findings by integrating with the exiting body of knowledge
- 4. How to reviewthe literature Start with broad area of interest if research problem is not known and narrow down Focused around the research problem What is already known in the area? What is not known or what are the gaps in the existing body of knowledge? What questions have remained unanswered? Are there any areas of professional conflict? What theories have been put forward relevant to the area of research? What suggestions have been made for further research? What research strategies have been employed by others undertaking similar research?
- 5. Four steps ofdoing a literature review 1. Searching for the existing literature in the area of interest 2. Reviewing the selected literature 3. Developing a theoretical framework 4. Developing a conceptual framework
- 6. Searching for existingliterature Set parameters for the search Compile a reading list Start with: Books Journals Conference papers The Internet
- 7. Reviewing selected literature Read existing literature and examine critically: Note whether the knowledge relevant to a theoretical framework has been confirmed beyond doubt Note the theories put forward, the criticisms of these and their basis, the methodologies adopted (study design, sample size and its characteristics, measurement procedures, etc.) and the criticisms of them Examine to what extent the findings can be generalised to other situations Notice where there are significant differences of opinion among researchers, giving an opinion about their validity in addition to putting forward a position with reasons Ascertain the areas in which little or nothing is known – the gaps that exist in the body of knowledge
- 8. Developing theoretical andconceptual frameworks Theoretical frameworks Find the roots of the problem you want to investigate in a number of theories. Read with focus in mind Sort information into main themes and theories Literature fits in two categories: Universal or general More specific Conceptual framework is the basis of enquiry and stems from the theoretical framework
- 9. Theoretical and conceptualframeworks The theoretical framework consists of the theories or issues in which your study is embedded. The conceptual framework describes the aspects you selected from the theoretical framework to become the basis of your enquiry.
- 10. How to writea literature review Write about the literature reviewed to provide a theoretical background and contextualise findings to existing body of literature: Describe various theories Specify gaps in the existing knowledge area Write about recent advances in the area of study State current trends Refine own methodology Quote findings from existing studies
- 11. Writing a literaturereview Thematic, based on the main theme of enquiry Following a logical order Arguments referenced with supporting evidence from the existing literature Use academic referencing style
- 12. Figure 3.1a Developinga theoretical framework authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
- 13. Figure 3.1b Theoreticalframework for the ‘community responsiveness in health’ study authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
- 14. Figure 3.1a Sampleoutline of a literature review authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
- 15. Figure 3.2b Mainthemes from the literature review for the community responsiveness study authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
- 16. Table 3.1 Somecommonly used databases authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014