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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!

The text book is well laid out and covers the necessay information required to conduct a comprehensive litertaure review.
The writing style adopted by the author is one which is easy to read and free flowing.
This is a definite recommendation to undergrad and postgrad students.

Mr Ioannis Dermitzakis
Business Management (LBS), Peterborough Regional College
July 10, 2013

This book is a travel companion on the road to understanding the function and purpose of a literature review. The author offers ideas about construction and structure which helps those embarking on a literature review to navigate toward a successful, comprehensive and robust outcome.

Mrs Sally Goldspink
Allied Health & Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University
July 2, 2013

This book is wonderful, it offers students a step by step walk through of undertaking a literature review in a logical and user friendly way. I believe it is an essential read for students as soon as they begin the final project (dissertation).

Mr Andrea Cassidy
Service Development and Improvement, Bradford University
July 1, 2013

clearly developed book with insight and practical guidance

Mr David Higgins
Department of Management & Marketing, Huddersfield University
June 25, 2013

Very useful for anyone undertaking a literature review. Information is developed logically and with clarity.

Mrs Vivienne Dacre
Education , Glyndwr University
June 24, 2013

This is a very relevant text for part time professional students returning to education. Gives clear direction on how to conduct a literature review

Ms Eve Coles
Leeds University Business School, Leeds University
June 11, 2013

This book is an excellent read and delivers on the promise of a step by step guide to writing a literature review. Throughout the book the author gives very good examples that students can relate to.

Mr Eric Bates
School of Construction, Dublin Institute of Technology
June 8, 2013

I was a little disappointed in this book and whilst telling students about it I felt it wasn't worth them purchasing a copy.

Mr Peter Mounsey
Higher Education, Burnley College
June 7, 2013

This is a really practical and helpful book when undertaking any research. It provides clear explanations and guidance on the whole process of reviewing literature .

Mrs Marion Hobbs
Education, Edge Hill University
June 7, 2013

I reccommend this to students new to a literature review.

Miss Carol Reid
Scho, Brighton University
June 5, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


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