Complexity theory and emergent change Sarah Case study Coventry University Why is it important for your research

investigation that you be critical when reviewing the literature? The core function of literature review is to map and elaborate the topic of research with the help of scholarly readings. It highlights the research scope and its limitations. Literature review is written with the help of close matched research studies to fit the selected topic in broad study scenario. The most important consideration for a good literature review is its critical nature. Critical review of established studies classifies, evaluates, and presents the studies in logical manner along with the discussion of their shortcomings and successes (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill 2009). The researches should be analysed in the particular area of the selected topic and the researcher need to play an unbiased role in critics of literature. A good critical review considers all pros and cons of the studies but it does not have to be totally in favour or against a particular school of thought (Gill and Johnson 2002). The reporting of facts and results need to be in line with the main area of working and should clarify the possible research issues. Above all, the argument in the literature review should be formed in a logical and consistent manner, so that the reader finds a concise and concrete discussion on previous researches. Also, the mere description and repetition of selected research topic cannot help to build an argument. Question 2: What might Sarahs project tutor mean by suggesting that a critical literature review should be balanced? A critical literature review defines the research problem in a clear context, justifies it with the examples from previous researches, and recommends new dimensions for future researches. This section should be balanced, i.e. it includes strengths as well as weaknesses of the selected researches. This section needs to construct suggestions for the improvement of future researches in the proposed area (Collis and Hussey 2003). In this case study, Sarah made the mistake of presenting an unbalanced review twice. The tutor wanted a balanced and critical review which portrays every school of thought with the expressions of the strong and weak points. Sarah needs to consider the following strategies to construct a balanced literature review: Select the max possible evidence from published and online sources. Assess the standard and working of each selected article/ book, 1

Synthesize and evaluate the findings of every research. Interpret and present the finding ain concise and complete manner. Include the peer reviewed articles and consult their summaries. Examine both quantitative and qualitative evidence from selected sources. Consider the issues of relevance, validity, and feasibility of collected material with the help of cross examination of stated facts from other similar studies. Use strong selection criteria to avoid false and misleading reports and articles. Question 3: What dos Sarah need to do to develop a literature review which is sufficiently critical, yet also sufficiently balanced? Explain what it is about Sarahs Literature Review that meets the criteria set out in the checklist In order to achieve a critical as well as balanced literature review, Sarah has to collect, classify, and arrange researches findings in her core study area. This way she can understand the pros and con o all readings and will be able to present then in logical pattern. Balance can be achieved by selecting appropriate number of researches in favor of and against research argument. Efficiency can achieve by using latest research articles and online credible sources which are valid, reliable and consistent. Text books and general works need to be avoided due to their broad scope and outdated information. Every work should take same length of explanations, relevant and important studies need to give preference. The rule is importance, relevance, and reliability of the secondary and tertiary material. Insertion of own comments and analyses in conclusion section, increases the worth of research.

Box 3.3 Checklist

Evaluati on

Evaluating whether Your (Sarahs) literature review is critical

Have you shown how your research question relates to previous research reviewed? Have you assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the previous research reviewed? Have you been objective in your discussion and assessment of other peoples research? Have you included references to research that are counter to your own opinion? Have you distinguished clearly between facts and opinions? Have you made reasoned judgments about the value and relevance of others research to your own? Have you justified clearly your own ideas? Have you highlighted those areas where new research (yours!) is needed to provide fresh insights and taken these into account in your arguments? In particular: Where there are inconsistencies in current knowledge and understanding? Where there are omissions or bias in published research? Where research findings need to be tested further?

Where evidence is lacking, inconclusive, contradictory or limited? Have you justified your arguments by referencing correctly published research?

Source: Saunders et al 2009

Box 3.4 Checklist

Evaluati on

Evaluating the structure of your (Sarahs) literature review

Does your literature review have a clear title which describes the focus of your research rather than just saying literature review? Have you explained precisely how you searched the literature, and the criteria used to select those studies included? Does your review start at a more general level before narrowing down? Is your literature review organized thematically around the ideas contained in the research being reviewed rather than the researchers? Are your arguments coherent and cohesive do your ideas link in a way that will be logical to your reader? Have you used sub-headings within the literature review to help guide your reader? Does the way you have structured your literature review draw your readers attention to those issues which are going to be the focus of your research? Does your literature review lead your reader into subsequent sections of your project report?

Source: Saunders et al 2009