Literature Review on Research Skills

Running Head: Research Skills 1
RESEARCH SKILLS
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Professor
Institution
Course
Date

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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.