Doing Your Literature Review
Traditional and Systematic Techniques
- Jill Jesson - Aston University, UK
- Lydia Matheson - Aston University, UK
- Fiona M Lacey - Aston University, UK
The literature review is a compulsory part of research and, increasingly, may form the whole of a student research project. This highly accessible book guides students through the production of either a traditional or a systematic literature review, clearly explaining the difference between the two types of review, the advantages and disadvantages of both, and the skills needed. It gives practical advice on reading and organizing relevant literature and critically assessing the reviewed field. Contents include:
- Using libraries and the internet
- Note making
- Presentation
- Critical analysis
- Referencing, plagiarism and copyright
This book will be relevant to students from any discipline. It includes contributions from both a professor and a librarian, each offering expert advice on either the creation and assessment of literature reviews or the process of searching for information. It is also highlights the increasing importance of the systematic review for many disciplines and presents the specific challenges which it brings.
'Tasks, tips, examples, figures and summaries in each chapter give the book a "self-guided" feel appropriate in a textbook, and the language is rarely arcane. Four useful appendices and a fine index complete the work. Overall, this is a sound guide for the absolute neophyte in how to create useable literature reviews. Part 2 is especially recommended as a good discussion of the ways and means of writing reviews. The work is useful for students at most levels, and for those who teach research methods and want a clear guide for literature reviews for their reading lists' -
G. E. Gorman
Online Information Review
'The main strength lies in the book's practical nature. The authors place great emphasis on the importance of proper searching techniques and encourage the use of specialist librarians. Chapters on reading and note-taking skills contain useful detail often missing from similar books - such as which bits of an article to read first, and how to make and store relevant notes that will be usable later. The examples of how to improve specific passages of writing are very valuable.'
The book does what it promises: it is an accessible and practical book, which many researchers can benefit from to improve their literature reviews.
Fantastic resource for students entering the research phase
I find this title very rewarding to use both for the tutor and a student. It's suitable for understanding demands of a proper literature review, traditional or more systematic one.
Covers something all students need to think about across the course of the MA, and does so with a good level of clarity. Every step of getting on with a literature review is covered, and there's a good step-by-step approach to a lot of it.
The discussion of different types and purposes of 'traditional' literature review is likely to be a useful prop early on in a research skills module.
Essential for doing literature review
The book is recommended to students who have to write a literature review within their paper. Especially for writing their thesis (BSc).
This book provides an up to date overview of tackling literature reviews. Ideal for all researchers but maybe particularly useful for final year under-graduates and Masters students working on research projects and dissertations.
Thorough and accessible text supporting students working towards research.
Sage College Publishing
