Importance of Writing Literature Review in Postgraduate Dissertation- Tutors India

IMPORTANCE OF WRITING LITERATURE REVIEW IN POSTGRADUATE DISSERTATION An Academic presentation by Dr. Nancy Agens, Head, Technical Operations, Tutors India Group www.tutorsindia.com Email: info@tutorsindia.com

Today's Discussion OUTLINE

In Brief Introducti on Need for Writing a Literature Review Main Characteristics of a Good Literature Review Literature Review Process Importance of Writing a Literature Review Conclusion Future Scopes

In Brief The goal of writing literature reviews is to summarize the dissertation topic and also to integrate the existing knowledge in the field.

A good literature review must cover the relevant literature and also integrate it.

The literature review helps to understand the research areas better and assists in conceptualizing the research problem precisely and clearly.

Introduction A highly developed literature review can strengthen a dissertation/thesis by analyzing the main problem areas by the academic study, predicting assumptions of the research, methods, and results.

An efficient LR proves the abilities of the students in the language domain, information literacy, and critical writing.

The main goal of this paper is to discuss the functions of LR in dissertations and thesis.

Need for Writing a Lit erat ur e Review

The aim of writing literature reviews is to summarize the dissertation topic and also to integrate the existing knowledge in the field.

1. A standalone review article of the literature for a particular topic.

2. An empirical paper’s introduction and the basis for a hypothesis.

3. The preliminary stage for a dissertation.

Systematic LR is a precise method that forms the basis for building an entire article based on reviewing the literature without gathering empirical data.

Contd..

Figure 1: Systematic LR

Main Charact erist ic s of a Good Literature Review

A good literature review must deal with different requirements of the field; cover all literature that is relevant to the topic.

1. Coverage – Literature that is relevant to the topic must be referenced and must be covered by the text.

2. Synthesis – Not just a long list of references implies a good literature review but, it should also summarize and connect relevant literature.

3. Rhetoric – The content must be clear and consistent, and well-articulated.

4. Significance – The literature review must explain the significance of the practical and theoretical part of the research problem.

Contd..

Figure 2: Characteristics of a Good Literature Review

Lit erat ur e Review Process

A road map or blueprint is required for the researcher to conduct a literature review to stay on track and not diverge from the topic. i. Review topic selection. ii. Searching the literature for references. iii. Collecting, interpreting, and analyzing the literature. iv. Review writing. v. References.

Import anc e of Writing a Literature Review

IMPROVING RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

FOCUS ON RESEARCH PROBLEM

Literature review helps students to identify and use r esearch methodologies of other researchers.

Literature review helps to shape the research problems as it helps to understand the research field better

The procedures used by other researchers are explained in the r eview of the literature.

CATER TO KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR RESEARCH AREA

It also helps students to incorporate those methods in their a ssignment writing process.

The main o bjective of writing a literature review is to ensure that the students who write dissertations conduct wide research around the subject area.

Contd. .

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CONTEXTUALIZING RESEARCH FINDINGS

It is important to use the f indings in the research which has been previously found.

5

ENSURE NOVELTY IN YOUR WORK

Make sure to discover something that is very innovative and not to waste time in rediscovering that has been published before by others.

Therefore, the process of writing a l iterature review could guarantee innovation and a new contribution to the research work.

Contd..

Figure 3: Functions of Literature Review

Conclusio n

The foundation for all kinds of research is the review of literature which plays a significant role.

They serve as a foundation for the development of knowledge, provides a strategy for policy and practice, grants effective evidence.

However, conducting a review of the literature and assessing its quality is a tricky task.

Future Scope s

Writing a literature review is a difficult and essential process to understand one’s own field of knowledge which is always transitory.

Good researchers are stuck with sophisticated LRs, which expose the long-lasting academic skills of a writer.

It is recommended to use the checklist of LR as a tool to strengthen the skills required for significant dissertation/thesis writing.

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