Critical Literature Review in Statistics and Research Methodology

This homework assignment focuses on the significance of a critical literature review within the context of Statistics and Research Methodology. It highlights the importance of filling gaps left by previous studies, identifying weaknesses, and framing theoretical questions for future research. The assignment also emphasizes the need for balance between positive and negative reviews to demonstrate comprehensive understanding and expertise in the field. Detailed steps are outlined for developing a balanced literature review, along with references from established sources on the topic.

Running head: STATISTICS AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Statistics and Research Methodology
Name of the University
Name of the Student
Author note

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Answer 1: Importance of critical review of literature
It is important for any researcher to do a thorough investigation of the topic that he or she
has taken up before going ahead with the research. It implies, filling the gaps left by previous
studies.
Reviewing previous works critically brings forth the expertise of the researcher in the
field. He or she is able to identify the weaknesses of the previous researches, that is, the areas
that has not been explored or addressed.
Critical review also allows the researcher to study the chosen topic without presuming
anything. Sarah had assumed that complexity theory applies to organizational change and hence
she based her review only on theories that supported this notion. This left her with no option to
explore further and move ahead with her research.
Being critical while reviewing the literature, allows the researcher to frame an apt theoretical
question that establishes the ground for carrying out the research (Researchgate.net, 2017).
While on the other hand, a general literature review that only summarizes the previous work
allows minimum scope for the researcher to carry the work forward and establish what has
already been said or discovered.
Answer 2: A balanced critical literature review
Doing a critical literature review demands precision and minute observance of all the
previous works. It means that the researcher must cover and uncover all the points that the author
included in the previous works and the points that he missed out.

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Sarah’s first literature review involved emphasis on the positive effects of complexity
theory on organizational behavior. She included all the statements and theories that supported her
research question. Later, she prepared a second draft where she rejected the relevance of
complexity theory to organizational changes. It thus was evident from both her drafts that her
literature review was either under critical or over critical. It was not balanced that is it did not
explore the fields where she needed to work.
A balanced critical review can be elaborated as the inclusion of positive reviews that
supports the argument and negative reviews that rejects it. This allows the researcher to complete
the research as per the requirement. The balanced critical review of literature also demonstrates
the researcher’s keen knowledge and expertise in the field and shows the extent of her study
(Machi & McEvoy, 2016).
Answer 3: Developing a critical yet sufficiently balanced literature review
Sarah was shocked with the feedback given by her project tutor on both occasions, as she
could not comprehend the true meaning of a critical literature review. At first, she prepared a
review that comprised hardly any criticism of the selected topic and later she did just the
opposite of it. Her second draft consisted of heavy criticism of the topic. Sarah has to follow a
systematic approach in order to develop a critical yet balanced literature review.
The first thing Sarah needs to do is search the literature of the selected topic multiple times
(Pautasso, 2017). After convincingly going through the literature, she then must identify all the
relevant points that may include approaches, restrictions and conclusions.
The next important thing she needs to do is to find answers to queries such as:

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 Chief accomplishment in the reviewed area
 Key areas of dispute and
 Research questions that have not been answered
In the end, Sarah can develop a constructive literature review that has reached equilibrium of
both positive and negative reviews.

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References:
Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2016). The literature review: Six steps to success. Corwin Press.
Pautasso, M. (2017). Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review. Retrieved 3 November
2017, from
Researchgate.net. (2017). Retrieved 3 November 2017, from
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_importance_of_literature_review
Saunders, M. N. (2011). Research methods for business students, 5/e. Pearson Education India.