practical research 1

1. SELECTING RELEVANT
LITERATURE
LESSON 11

2. Purpose of literature review
The primary purpose of the literature review is to establish the
state of current “Knowledge” or agreement about your research
topic.
A literature review is not merely a chronicle of who wrote, what
and when, but an in depth examination of texts to identify and
investigate more critical elements where current understanding
is unclear and which the new research can address.
Finally, its main objective is to identify, criticize and synthesize
the most recent, relevant and authoritative texts related to the
research being undertaken.

3. Doing a literature review
The ability to review and to report on relevant literature is a key
academic skill.
The literature review:
◦ A. reports your critical review of the relevant literature.
◦ B. identifies a gap within the literature that your research will
attempt to address.
Researchers need studies to compare, replicate or criticize them for
weaknesses. Researchers vary in perception and depth. Literature
review can help to clarify thoughts about studying. It can establish a
framework within which to present and analyze the findings.

4. Goals of Literature review
1. To demonstrate a familiarity with a body of knowledge and
establish credibility. A good review increases a reader’s
confidence in the researcher’s professional competence, ability
and background.
2. To show the path of prior research and how a current project
is linked to it. A good review places a research project in a
context and demonstrates its relevance by making connections
to a body of knowledge.

5. Goals of Literature review
3. To integrate and summarize what is known in an area. A good
review points out areas where prior studies agree, where they
disagree and where major questions remain. It also indicates
the direction for future research.
4. To learn from others and stimulate new ideas. A good review
identifies blind alleys and suggest hypothesis for replication and
gain new insights.

6. How to evaluate Articles
1. Examine the title:
◦ A good title is specific, indicates the nature of the research without
describing the results and avoids asking yes or no questions.
◦ It describes the topic and may mention, one or two major variables and
talks about the setting or participants.
◦ Example: Parental Involvement in Schooling and Reduced Discipline
Problems among Junior High School Students in NCR”.

7. How to evaluate Articles
2. Read the abstract.
◦ A good abstract summarizes critical information about a study.
◦ It gives the purpose of the study, identifies methods used and highlights major
findings. It prepares you for examining the report in detail.
3. Read the article.
> You may begin by skimming the material and quickly reading the conclusion.
This will give you a picture of what the article is about.

8. Conditions that can Affect your reading
1. The article is high.
2. You are sharply focused on a particular issue or question.
3. You have a solid theoretical background.
To perform a good literature review, you must be selective,
comprehensive, critical and current.

9. Sources for the Literature Review
The term “sources” refers to print, electronic or visual
materials necessary for your research. Sources are classified
into primary, secondary and tertiary.
Example of Primary Sources
◦ Letters, correspondences, diaries, memoirs, autobiographies, official or research
topics, patents and designs and empirical research articles.
Example of Secondary Sources
◦ Academic journal articles, conference proceedings, books, documentaries.
Example of Tertiary Sources
◦ Encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, handbooks.

10. Note Taking Technique
Note Frame and Layout
Category/Classification/Heading/Sub-
Headings
Source information (Bibliographic reference) and
Location
Notes Own Thoughts/Comments

11. The Literature Review Process
1. Select a
Topic
2. Select
and
Choose
literature
3. Analyze
and
interpret
literature
4. Write
the review

12. Example of Literature Review
Write your review in the past tense except when discussing its significance, in
this case, you use the present tense.
Example: Martin (2007) found that there was a possible direct
relationship between how children saw and felt about themselves
and how they felt about the Superheroes. This shows that is
probable that superheroes may be able to influence an adolescent’s
perception of masculinity.