THE LITERATURE

REVIEW
 WHAT IS THE LITERATURE
REVIEW?
Literature in this sense means the work you
consulted in order to understand and investigate
your research problem.
It looks at what others have said about the topic
How do theories address the topic?
What previous research exists?
Are there consistent findings?
Do past studies disagree?
Do you see flaws in existing research?
 You must present the conceptual model
you will use to interpret your research
A variety of conceptual models exists but
you must choose the ONE perspective
you have chosen to use
 SOURCES YOU MAY CONSULT

Journal articles
Books
Conference proceedings
Government and corporate reports
The internet
CD-ROM
magazines
 Purpose of the literature review
It helps to identify the gaps and problem in the
field that is being studied.
It locates the research question in the context of
the theoretical and empirical work done in the
field.
It allows exploration behind the research
questions.
It allows familiarity with the points of controversy
and consensus in the field.
It demonstrates knowledge about the area.
 After taking a critical look at existing research it
is essential that you evaluate this work and show
how it relates to your work
Select what parts of research to discuss eg. The
methodology
HINT! The lit review should provide the context
for research by looking at work done in your
research area not just a summary of other
peoples work!
 Questions a Literature Review
Should Answer
1. what do we already know about the area
concerned?
2. What are the characteristics of the key
concepts or the variables?
3. What are the relationships between
these concepts or variables?
4. What are the existing theories?
5. Where are the shortcomings in knowledge
and understanding in the area of study?
6. What contribution can the present study be
expected to make?
 TRAPS TO AVOID
Reading but not writing- writing can help
you to understand and find relationships
between the work youve read, so dont
put off writing until youve finished
Not keeping bibliographic information! You
must cite reference in your work also later
on you will need to write the bibliography.
REMEMBER ALWAYS CITE
REFERENCES.
 FINALLY
In the last section state specifically your
problem statement and the theoretical
framework in which you have grounded it.

HAVE FUN DOING YOUR RESEARCH

BY PUTTING BACK THE SEARCH IN
RESEARCH!!!