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The Literature Review
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The Literature Review
A Step-by-Step Guide for Students

Second Edition
Additional resources:


July 2012 | 232 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This second edition of Diana Ridley's bestselling book provides a step-by-step guide to conducting a literature search and literature review, using cases and examples throughout to demonstrate best practice. Ridley outlines practical strategies for conducting a systematic search of the available literature, reading and note taking and writing up your literature review as part of an undergraduate research project, Masters dissertation or PhD thesis.

New to this edition are:

  • Examples drawn from a wide range of disciplines
  • A new chapter on conducting systematic reviews
  • Increased guidance on evaluating the quality of online sources and online literature
  • Enhanced guidance in dealing with copyright and permissions issues.

This book also comes with a companion website containing a wide range of examples of successful literature reviews from various academic disciplines.

SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, quizzes and videos on study success!

 
Introduction
What Is A Literature Review?

 
The Literature Review At Different Degree Levels

 
Why Is It Important To Undertake A Literature Review As Part Of Your Research?

 
Where Do We Find The Literature Review In A Dissertation Or Thesis?

 
Structuring Your Literature Review

 
Task 1.1 Choosing A Literature Review Approach

 
Summary

 
Overview

 
 
The Multiple Purposes of a Literature Review
The Multiple Purposes

 
Historical Background

 
Contemporary Context

 
Theoretical Underpinnings

 
Definitions And Discussion Of Terminology Used In The Research

 
Signalling A Gap In Previous Research And Using This To Justify Your Own

 
The Significance Of A Problem For Research

 
Task 2.1 Reflecting On Your Own Research

 
Summary

 
 
Sources of Information and Conducting Searches
What Is A Literature Search?

 
What Are The Purposes Of A Literature Search?

 
Sources Of Information

 
Evaluating Online Sources Of Information

 
Different Types Of Research

 
Tools For Finding Relevant Sources

 
The Process Of Conducting A Literature Search

 
The Use Of Key Words And Boolean Logic

 
Keeping Up To Date: RSS Feeds And Email Alerts

 
Social Bookmarking

 
Task 3.1 Tracking And Recording Your Search

 
Summary

 
 
Reading and Note-Taking Strategies
Techniques For Reading Efficiently

 
Increasing Your Reading Speed

 
Reasons For Note Taking

 
Techniques For Note Taking

 
Three Main Formats for Note Taking

 
Your Own Comments

 
Handwritten Notes VS Computer Notes

 
Making Connections Between Different Texts: Using Key Words

 
Making Connections Between Different Texts: A Tabular Comparison

 
Techniques For Writing A Summary

 
Task 4.1 Applying The Principles To Your Field

 
Summary

 
 
Reference Management: Keeping Records and Organising Information
Managing The Process

 
A Record of Key Word Searches

 
A Record of Bibliographic Details

 
A Personal Library

 
Copyright Legislation

 
Bibliographical Software Packages

 
Task 5.1 Record Keeping For Your Own Research

 
Summary

 
 
Structuring the Literature Review
The Processes Involved In The Creation Of A Literature Review

 
Beginning To Write

 
The Structure Of The Literature Review

 
Developing The Structure Of Your Review

 
Task 6.1 Structuring Your Own Literature Review

 
The Relationship Between The Introduction And The Literature Review

 
Task 6.2 Reflecting On Your Own Research Field

 
Summary

 
 
In-Text Citations
Why Do We Reference?

 
What Is Plagiarism?

 
What Type Of Information Requires A Reference?

 
Referencing Systems

 
Integral And Non-Integral References

 
Disciplinary Differences in Refernce Type

 
Types Of Citation

 
Disciplinary Difference in Citation Type

 
Choice Of Reporting Verb

 
Disciplinary Difference in Reporting Verbs

 
Tense Of Reporting Verb

 
Choice Of Tense In The Clause Or Sentence Where The Information Is Reported

 
Effective And Unacceptable Citations

 
Text Matching Software: Turnitin

 
Task 7.1 Analysing Reference Techniques In Your Own Research Field

 
Summary

 
 
Being Critical
The Difference Between Critical Reading And Critical Writing

 
Being Critical In Writing

 
How Different Researchers Adopt A Critical Approach In Their Writing

 
Task 8.1 Critical Writing In Your Own Research Field

 
Summary

 
 
Foregrounding Writer Voice in Your Writing
What Is Writer Voice?

 
The Organisation Of The Text

 
Unattributed Assertions Followed by Support from Citations

 
Summary and Evaluation of Source Material

 
Overall Summary at End of Section or Chapter

 
The Use Of Personal Pronouns

 
The Choice Of Citation Pattern

 
The Evaluative Potential Of Different Reporting Verbs

 
Evaluative Adjectives, Adverbs And Phrases

 
A Mixture Of Evaluative Strategies

 
Task 9.1 Reflecting On The Writer's Voice In Your Own Research

 
Summary

 
 
The Continuing Process
The Literature Review Process

 
Referring To The Literature In Your Discussion Chapter

 
Task 10.1 Reflecting On Making The Connections In Your Own Research

 
Summary

 
Findings Support an Existing Theory

 
Comparing a New Model and an Existing Theory

 
Explaining a Finding Using the Literature

 
Contribution of Current Research to Exisiting Theory

 
Interpreting the Data Using the Literature

 
Application of Theory to the Findings

 
Summary

 
 
A Systematic Literature Review
What Is A Systematic Literature Review?

 
The Process Of Conducting A Systematic Literature Review

 
What Is A Meta-Analysis?

 
Narrative Synthesis

 
An Example Of A Systematic Review

 
Appraisal Of A Systematic Review

 
Task 11.1 Searching For And Critiquing A Systematic Literature Review In Your Field

 
Summary

 
Further Reading

 
 
Conclusion
 
Electronic Guides
 
References
 
Index

Supplements

SAGE Study Skills hub

Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Excellent guide to literature review section of undergrad and Masters dissertations, which is recommended to dissertation students and on the bibliography for both modules. Some useful supplemental info (e.g. about relative merits of use of citations in sentences or in brackets etc)

Dr Andrew King
Physiotherapy and Dietetics, Coventry University
September 27, 2012

the module is about literature review so will be good to include in reading lists

Mrs Susan Heatley
Health , Kingston University
September 26, 2012

This is a excellent guide for postgraduate students especially for Masters and Doctoral students. Easy-to-read publication with applicable examples. Well and learly explanations to follow for postgraduate students. A must for supervisors and promoters of students.

Professor Micheal Van Wyk
Teacher Education, University of South Africa (UNISA)
September 25, 2012

Helpful text for undergraduates learning research skills.

Ms Raje Suzanne Airey
Counselling Dept, Colchester Institute
September 24, 2012

This book provides a comprehensive description of different types and aims of a literature review. Many students think of the literature review as a mere list of all published papers; I believe this book will help them focusing their thoughts and writing (thus saving them time).

Dr Simonetta Longhi
ISER, Essex University
September 24, 2012

This is a very clear book which is suitable for masters and other research levels

Dr Valerie Sparkes
School of Healthcare Studies, Cardiff University
September 18, 2012

Brilliant resource for 3rd year students undertaking their dissertations. I will be recommending that students buy this book.

Mrs Jenny Fisher
Social Science , Manchester Metropolitan University
September 11, 2012

An excellent, well structured guide to the literature review with useful examples integrated throughout.

Mr David Gilding
The Lifelong Learning Institute, Leeds University
September 11, 2012

Easy to follow step by step guide on how to conduct a literature review.
Would recommend this book

Mr Gilbert Regan
mathematics and computing, Dundalk Institute of Technology
September 10, 2012

There is a real need for a book like this as it is something students often find challenging, being unsure of the best way to approach their review of the literature.

Mrs Wendy Messenger
Inst of Education, Worcester University
September 7, 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

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