Literature Review on Research Skills

This literature review provides an analysis of the concept of research skills. It explains the objective of a literature review, the criteria for a good literature review, and the steps involved in composing a literature review. The review also includes examples of literature reviews that meet the criteria discussed.

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RESEARCH SKILLS
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Literature Review
A literature review analyses academic books, journal articles, and other sources related to a
certain issue, theory or a research area hence, giving an explanation, summary, and significant
assessment of these works. Literature reviews are intended to give a summary of sources you
have surveyed while researching a specific topic and to explain to your readers how this research
work fits into the larger subject of study. In a university there are two types of literature review
students can write: the first one is where a student is asked to write a literature review as a stand-
alone task in a module, which is usually a section of their preparation in research procedures in
their subject, the second one is where a literature review is composed as a section of introduction
to, or preparation for a lengthier work normally a research report or a thesis. The perspective and
focus of your review and the sort of thesis argument or hypothesis you form will be defined by
the kind of review you want to write. To distinguish the two types of literature review one needs
to read the published reviews and dissertations in individual’s topic area. Then, evaluate how
they develop their arguments and way of addressing these issues (Fink, 2014).
The objective of a literature review
 It provides the reader with a simple contact to research on a certain subject by choosing
articles of better quality or studies which are meaningful, relevant and valid and
reviewing them as a single full report.
 It presents an excellent foundation for new researchers by making them evaluate,
summarize and relate original work in that particular subject.
 It helps researchers to avoid duplication of work already done.

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 It gives clues on a specific area to focus on and the direction which the future research is
taking.
 It underlines important findings
 It recognizes gaps, contradictions, and inconsistencies in the literature
 It presents a profitable analysis of the approaches and methodologies of more researchers
Criteria for a good literature review
Introduction
This describes the focus and determines the importance of the topic. It examines the type
of work accomplished on the subject and recognizes any arguments in the area or any current
research that has introduced questions concerning previous assumptions. It can present a history
or background. It finishes with a thesis statement or purpose. In an individual review, this
statement will summarize and assess the state of art in this area of research. On the other hand, a
review that is introduction or elementary to a research report or thesis, it will recommend how
the review results will initiate to the research the writer intends to start (Booth, et al., 2013).
Body
It is usually divided by titles and subtitles and it reviews and assesses the present
information about the field. It takes into account major topics or themes, and some findings
which the researcher approve or disapprove if the review is preliminary to the individual research
project or thesis, its objective is to provide a contention that will validate the projected research.
Thus, it will explain solely that research which controls directly to an individual project (Singh &
Lukkarila, 2017).
Conclusion

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The conclusion sums up all the evidence provided and demonstrates its importance. In case of a
review being an introduction to the individual’s research, it underlines gaps and shows how
earlier research directs to your research plan and preferred methodology. In stand-alone reviews
in a program, it must propose some practical purposes of the research and also the consequences
and probabilities for upcoming research (Fry, 2012).
Steps in composing a Literature Review
1. Find a working subject
Consider your particular field of study. Then, contemplate on what is of interest to you and what
productive area for study. Also, engage in talks with your instructor and revisit lecture notes and
current issues of journals in the subject.
2. Review the content of the literature
Such databases related to your field and one can use the reference list of these journals and
reviews which can lead to important articles. Make sure you take into account any studies that
are contrary to your opinion.
3. Focus your subject narrowly and choose papers appropriately
Take into account the following: what interests you and others and also consider the time span of
the research. Select an area that is appropriate for review.

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4. Read the chosen journals comprehensively and assess them
What hypotheses some or most of the researchers are creating? What procedures are used and
testing processes and material tested? Assess and integrate research findings and deductions
drawn. Note names of experts often referenced. Also observe contradictory theories,
methodologies, and results. And note the popular theories and whether this has or has not
improved over time(Oliver, 2012).
5. Categorize the chosen articles by noting the patterns and creating subheadings
Take note of the following: findings which are common on disputed, two or three relevant
developments in the research, and also identify the most powerful theories.
6. Create a working Thesis
Compose one or two thesis statement reviewing the assumption you have made concerning the
key trends and advancements you observe in the research conducted in your research area.
7. Structure your own paper according to findings from steps 4 & 5
Develop titles or subtitles. Decide and establish new subtitles under different titles.
8. Create the Body of the Paper
Follow the design established above, ensure that every part connects logically to the preceding
and part after, and also the sections are divided by titles or subtitles, not by stating work of
individual researcher or theorists.

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9. Check the work written and emphasize on evaluation rather than the description
In each paragraph check the topic sentence. Ensure that you read these sentences and everything
has been presented clearly, logically and analytically not by starting each paragraph with the
name of the researcher. Beginning a sentence with the researcher's name mean that you are
describing the research that has been done and it's a common problem in most students’ reviews.
Therefore, the paper should be defined by a guiding concept and critically analyze the selected
literature. Also ensure take a more evaluative approach by analytically comparing and
contrasting (Aveyard, 2014).
To finish revise and edit the work by reading through which will help to identify and correct
grammatical and spelling errors made. Also, ensure you have covered every important, recent
and appropriate text since the aim of a literature review is to show that the writer is conversant
with the critical professional literature on the subject chosen. In science and some social
sciences subjects, it is essential that you have recent literature but not very crucial in humanities.
Consequently, ensure that your references and citations are in a suitable style chosen in your
discipline. Also, make certain that the work is clear, succinct and headings or subheadings are
used where necessary. Finally, make certain that the sentences flow logically and smoothly.
Examples of Literature reviews with the above criteria
Example 1: A literature review on the applications of Propofol and Emergence Agitation in
children.
Introduction

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Marcucci,(2015), explained the incident of emergence agitation (EA), recording signs of
hyperexcitation in patients arising from cyclopropane, ether, or ketamine anesthesia. EA has
been recognized as an often problem in children population during healing from general
anesthesia. In children, EA has been explained as a mental disturbance consisting of delusions
hallucinations and confusion usually exhibited by, restlessness, moaning, rolling about in bed
and spontaneous physical activity (Goldschneider, 2012).
The improved use of desflurane and sevoflurane in current years has been linked to an
increased incidence of EA when compared with halothane and isoflurane. It is proposed that
replacing sevoflurane and isoflurane for protection of anesthesia considerably reduces the
occurrence of EA among preschool children, as well as the usage of adjunctive agents like
propofol combined to sevoflurane, can decrease the occurrence of EA contrasted with
sevoflurane only(Davis, et al., 2011). The aim of this literature review is to relate the three types
of anesthesia methods and their linked occurrences of EA in children.
Sevoflurane Inhalational General Anesthesia
Sevoflurane was distributed in 1994 and has advantageous anesthetic properties like the
rapid onset of anesthesia, rapid emergence from anesthesia and nonpungent odor (Fleisher,
2013). Currently, Sevoflurane is the best inhalational agent in pediatric anesthesia due to its
rapidity stimulation and pleasant, lack of irritating odor (James & Walker, 2013). It has been
proposed that sevoflurane leads to an epileptogenic activity which causes EA behaviors.
Clinically perceived seizures and also seizures attested by electroencephalography have been
manifested during sevoflurane stimulation, maintenance, and improvement in adults and
children, whether they are epileptic or not (Aglio & Urman, 2017).
Propofol and Sevoflurane General Anesthetic

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Propofol is a general anesthetic was released in 1989 is usually administered
intravenously. Propofol has been examined in both pediatric and adult populations in urologic,
gastrointestinal endoscopy, surgical, radiologic, dental and ophthalmologic, procedures
(Dhayagude & Dave, 2016). Propofol has been shown to be beneficial as an addition to
sevoflurane inhalational overall anesthesia in minimizing the incidence of EA. Roth, Frost,
Gevirtz, & Atcheson, (2015), stated that in children who received propofol as an adjunct EA
incident decreased to 19.5 percent compared with 47.5 percent in those who were given
sevoflurane alone. These findings propose that the uses of propofol together with sevoflurane can
aid in the reduction of the rate EA.
Propofol Total Intravenous Anesthesia
Propofol total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) methods have also revealed a decrease in
EA in children. From studies by Urman, Gross, & Philip,(2011) of sevoflurane inhalational
anesthesia against propofol TIVA method, there were considerably increased rates of EA in the
group that received sevoflurane compared with those who received propofol (23.1percent against
3.7 percent). In another study by Kaplan, Reich, & Konstadt, (2011) which determined the
quality of improvement in children, both sevoflurane and propofol TIVA methods were
contrasted where EA rates reduction was observed in the propofol TIVA participants, (46 percent
against 9 percent, respectively. Collectively, these studies suggest that propofol TIVA method
use can considerably decrease the occurrence of EA in pediatrics.
Discussion
A detailed literature review disclosed that EA incidences to be decreased with the usage
of a propofol TIVA method contrasted with general anesthetic inhalational sevoflurane. Also,

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EA incidences reduced considerably where propofol was used with sevoflurane (Matthes, 2015).
From the literature based evidence, it is beneficial to administer propofol TIVA or propofol as an
adjunct with sevoflurane than when using sevoflurane alone. Therefore, according to the
evidence, it is concluded that propofol is linked with a decrease in EA occurrences.
In the present literature review, a major shortcoming revealed is the demand for the
constant application of a certified scale for evaluating EA around all studies. Several studies of
EA have applied a range of scales, which use different criteria to measure EA. According to
John, (2018), the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale is a valid and
consistent tool based on the reliability of the scale. The results can be strengthened and more
compared in future studies if a similar validated evaluation scale like PAED is used.
Conclusion
EA is a significant concern in pediatric anesthesia and its occurrence has increased with
the usage of sevoflurane. The objective of this review was to relate three overall anesthesia
methods in children and how they are linked to EA incidences. The three discussed techniques
were sevoflurane inhalational general anesthetic, propofol use with sevoflurane, and propofol
TIVA methods. From the reviewed literature it is demonstrated that the use of propofol TIVA
method or as an adjunctive with sevoflurane is more advantageous compared to the use of
sevoflurane only.
The present research advocate for the application of propofol as discussed above.
However, use of more strengthened and consistent methodologies in continuation of the present
research will aid in justifying its usage and current research supports the use of propofol, as

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discussed above; however, a continuation of the current research with consistent and
strengthened methodologies will help justify its application and use in clinical procedures.
Example 2: A literature review on Lee Silver’s Remaking Eden: how the American family is
transformed by Genetic Engineering and Cloning.
Introduction
This essay explores the claims of Silver’s that the development of genetic engineering is
unavoidable. This is because of the relentless interest of scientist and the consumer need for it as
a technology (Savulescu, et al., 2011). If scientific development relies upon both scientific
curiosity and consumer need, then the approach consumers have about genetic engineering and
cloning should be considered and examined. Hence, raising the question, how do consumers
develop their views about cloning? Answering this question will help us judge very accurately
when this question is answered, we may be able to judge more precisely Silver's claim that
consumer need for genetic engineering will unavoidably support scientific development in the
topic (Levine, 2012).
Discussion
Cloning in media
In popular media, cloning has long been a subject. Every example of these films carries a
related message concerning our society and culture. As Macintosh, (2012) state that films has
always reflected our transforming obsession and fear with scientific things. Each of these
sources, obtained in academic articles and also websites, underlines the warnings given in

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popular film about what scientific advancement would depict for our society. Despite some
sources providing these warnings only as reflections of opinion throughout society, Henneberg,
(2017) and other researcher’s present more complex discussions concerning the political and
cultural impulses following them.
Belief about cloning
Essed, (2012) argues that these cautions exhibit conservative beliefs regarding cloning
politics. Remarkably, even those researchers and writers who discover in cloning films very
positive visions for the future of the social credit the optimism to a belief in science but to faith
in limitations in science and the distinctiveness of every individual (Maynard, 2018). As film
scholar Lundin, (2016), for instance, suggests some media give the hopeful message that not
everything is under scientific management.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the cloning in media, have an ending warning to its visitor on
killing human embryos, severe abnormalities that are life-threatening and biological and moral
adversity. Currently, such films serve to propagate such obsessions and fears, cautioning the
public concerning the lack of control consequences of science out of order. However, further
research can be conducted in this area to determine how consumers develop their views about
cloning?
Criteria used in the two examples of a literature review

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The two examples have clearly followed the criteria of a good literature review as shown
below. The two has identified a specific area of interest and reviewed the literature related to the
topics. Also, various titles and subtitles have been established and the design of literature review
containing introduction, body, and conclusion also followed.
Example1
The introduction part has explained the reason for writing the literature review and the
importance of the topic. Also, it has outlined which aspects of the topic of interest that will be
discussed. It has discussed the work that has been done related to the subject and has presented
the history and background of the topic. Consequently, it concludes with a well-defined purpose
explaining what is going to be discussed in the literature review thereby stating the scope of the
review.
In the body part, the use of headings to structure the literature review by subject has been
observed. The different headings have discussed different themes that are relevant to the topic.
The historical background and methodologies of the different themes are reviewed. In the three
paragraphs, the present and previous studies concerning the topic has been reviewed and
assessed. Also, reviews from various sources have been synthesized in each paragraph and the
connection between the sources clearly defined. These sources have been analyzed critically to
examine how they have contributed to the themes being discussed. In addition, several findings
from the work done have been considered an individual idea also included. In the discussion, the
various sources and findings have been compared and contrasted and a conclusion drawn.
Consequently, some shortcomings in the current research have been indicated and some
suggestions on how to deal with it made.

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The conclusion displays a recap of the important aspects that have been discussed and the
general perspective on the topic. Also, it has evaluated the present state of the literature
reviewed. Moreover, it shows the major agreements and disagreements in the literature.
Additionally, it displays significant gaps that can be addressed through further research regarding
the topic.
Example 2
The introduction narrows and suggests the research question, and connects it to the
overall purpose of the literature review. In the discussion the two paragraphs consist of the
literature review where it reviewed, compared and assessed the different sources applied in the
overall analysis of the review. It has referred to different studies conducted in relation to the
topic of interest. Also, it has findings from the studies which have been used to compare and
contrast the work of different researchers. Additionally, the conclusion of the review is a
reiteration of what has been discussed. It also contains the current assessment of the study and
shows the various gaps surrounding the study which are a possible area of future research.

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References
Aglio, L. S. & Urman, R. D., 2017. Anesthesiology : Clinical Case Reviews. s.l.:Cham Springer
International Publishing .
Aveyard, H., 2014. Doing a literature review in health and social care : a practical guide.
Maidenhead : Open University Press.
Booth, A., Papaioannou, D. & Sutton, A., 2013. Systematic approaches to a successful literature
review. London: Sage.
Davis, P. J., Cladis, F. P. & Motoyama, E. K., 2011. Smith's anesthesia for infants and children.
St. Louis, Mo. : Mosby.
Dhayagude, S. H. & Dave, N. M., 2016. Principles and practice of pediatric anesthesia. New
Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
Essed, P., 2012. Clones, Fakes and Posthumans : Cultures of Replication.. Amsterdam: Editions
Rodopi.
Fink, A., 2014. Conducting research literature reviews : from the internet to paper. Thousand
Oaks, California: SAGE.
Fleisher, L. A., 2013. Evidence-based practice of anesthesiology. Philadelphia, PA:
Elsevier/Saunders.

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Fry, R. W., 2012. Improve your writing. Clifton Park, N.Y. : Delmar ; Andover: Cengage
Learning [distributor].
Goldschneider, K. R., 2012. Clinical pediatric anesthesia : a case-based handbook. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Henneberg, S., 2017. Genetic engineering. New York, NY : Greenhaven Publishing, LLC.
James, I. & Walker, I., 2013. Core Topics in Paediatric Anaesthesia. s.l.:Cambridge University
Press .
John, A. D., 2018. Anesthesia. Sharjah: Bentham Science Publishers.
Kaplan, J. A., Reich, D. L. & Konstadt, S. N., 2011. Kaplan's Cardiac Anesthesia E-Book :
Expert Consult Premium. s.l.:Saunders .
Levine, A. D., 2012. Cloning : a beginner's guide. Oxford : Oneworld Publications.
Lundin, S., 2016. Global bodies in grey zones : health, hope, biotechnology. Stellenbosch : SUN
MeDIA.
Macintosh, K. L., 2012. Human cloning : four fallacies and their legal consequences. Cambridge
: Cambridge University Press.
Marcucci, C., 2015. A case approach to perioperative drug-drug interactions. New York :
Springer.
Matthes, K., 2015. Pediatric anesthesiology : a comprehensive board review. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

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Maynard, A. D., 2018. Films from the future : the technology and morality of sci-fi movies. Coral
Gables: Mango Publishing.
Oliver, P., 2012. Succeeding with your literature review : a handbook for students. Maidenhead :
McGraw-Hill Open University Press.
Roth, R., Frost;, E. A. M., Gevirtz, . C. & Atcheson, C. L. H., 2015. The role of anesthesiology in
global health : a comprehensive guide. Cham: Springer.
Savulescu, J., Meulen, R. H. J. t. & Kahane, G., 2011. Enhancing human capacities. Chichester,
UK : Wiley-Blackwell.
Singh, A. A. & Lukkarila, L., 2017. Successful academic writing : a complete guide for social
and behavioral scientists. New York: Guilford Press.
Urman, R. D., Gross, W. L. & Philip, B. K., 2011. Anesthesia outside of the operating room.
New York : Oxford University Press.