IGS RESEARCH WRITING SEMINAR SKILLS

WRITING THE LITERATURE REVIEW

By: By: Associate Professor Dr Raja Munirah Raja MustaphaAssociate Professor Dr Raja Munirah Raja MustaphaHead of Graduate Studies (Research)Head of Graduate Studies (Research)Institute of Graduate StudiesInstitute of Graduate StudiesUniversiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

By: By: Associate Professor Dr Raja Munirah Raja MustaphaAssociate Professor Dr Raja Munirah Raja MustaphaHead of Graduate Studies (Research)Head of Graduate Studies (Research)Institute of Graduate StudiesInstitute of Graduate StudiesUniversiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

http://www.ipsis.uitm.edu.my

http://www.ipsis.uitm.edu.my

INFORMATION TO BE SHARED TODAYINFORMATION TO BE SHARED TODAY

INFORMATION TO BE SHARED TODAYINFORMATION TO BE SHARED TODAY

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DEGREE AND RESEARCH PRODUCT

FUNCTION AND FORMAT OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW IN RESEARCH AT THESE LEVELS

BA, BSc, BEd -Project

Essentially descriptive, topic focused; mostly indicative of main, current sources on the topic. Analysis is of the topic in terms of justification.

MA, MSc, MPh- Dissertation or thesis

Analytical and summative, covering methodological issues, research techniques and topics. Possibly two literature-based chapters, one on methodological issues, which demonstrates knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages, and another on theoretical issues relevant to the topic/problem.

PhD, Dphil -Thesis

Analytical synthesis, covering all known literature on the problem, including that in other languages. High level of conceptual linking within and across theories. Summative and formative evaluation of previous work on the problem. Depth and breadth of discussion on relevant philosophical traditions and ways in which they relate to the problem.

Source: Hart, C. (2009) Doing a Literature Review

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HINT: Authors often discuss limitations, unexplored issues, and suggestions for future research in their Discussion section. 9

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1. Library as a resource2. Begin with the most current research3. Explore bibliographies of books and articles4. Look for review articles5. Identify landmarks6. Peer-reviewed journals7. Wikipedia is not a reliable reference8. Work in Stages

A – FINDING A TOPIC FOCUSING

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B – READING – ANAYSIS - SYNTHESIS

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C – ORGANIZATION

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A – WRITING AN INTRODUCTION

B – THE BODY

•OUTLINE•ORGANIZE

TIPS:1. Signposts2. Evidence3. Quotes4. Selectivity5. Paraphrase6. Subheads 17

C – CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

TIPS:1. Write - draft introduction • body • conclusion2. Cite – keep track of references3. Revise - coherence, accuracy, clarity, grammar, APA

conventions – use IGS Guidelines on Thesis Format

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REFERENCES:

Rocco, T. S. & Plakhotnik, M. S. (2009). Literature Reviews, Conceptual Framework, and Theoretical Framework: Terms, Functions, and Distinctions. Human Resource Development Review, 2009.

Randolph, J. J. (2009). A Guide to Writing the Dissertation Literature Review. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 4(13), 2009.

Ingram, L., Hussey, J., Tigani, M., Hemmelgarn, M. & Huneycutt, S. (2006). Writing A Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix. NC State University Writing and Speaking Tutorial Service Tutors.

Rembrandt, K., Lubbe, S. & Rugbeer, H. (2007). The Matrix Method ofLiterature Review, Alternation 14,1 (2007) 262 – 276.

Boyle Single, P. (2010). Demystifying dissertation writing. Sterling, Virginia: Stylus.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

1.DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK2.FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS

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