D annan a simple guide to resarch writing indd

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Mind map 1.5: Differences between independent and dependent variables
 
(Cooper and Shindler 2003)

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CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
 
Outcomes
 
By the end of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
• Clarify the purpose of a literature review
• Develop familiarity with the steps for a literature review
• Categorise and locate sources of information.
INTRODUCTION
 
According to Bloomsburg University guide on literature (2018), a literature material is the 
general account or summary of a previous research topic. The types of scholarly fields 
may be empirical, theoretical, critical/analytical or methodological in nature. A literature 
review seeks to describe, summarise, evaluate, clarify or integrate the content of primary 
reports.
A literature should give a theoretical base for the research and assist the author to determine 
the nature or the components of the research. The researcher’s work contributes in some 
small but significant way to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field. The literature 
review should acknowledge the work of previous authors and in doing so, assures the 
reader that the research work has been well conceived. In addition, a literature review can 
purge the researcher of potential theories that have already been disproved.
Each researcher therefore has to be thoroughly familiar both with the major theoretical 
constructs in the field and all research literature that is available. A logical, systematic and 
critical review of the body of knowledge provides the backdrop for the research being 
undertaken. To demonstrate this through familiarity with earlier work in the field, all 
researchers are required to include a literature review in their study.
In the context of the study, a thorough literature review can be described in terms of process 
and product.
• The process of the literature review requires the researcher explore the literature to 
establish the status quo, formulate a problem or research enquiry, defend the value 
of pursuing the line of enquiry, and compare the findings and ideas with their own.
• The product involves the synthesis of the work of others in a form to demonstrate the 
accomplishments of the exploratory process.
The literature review is basically a short survey of relevant work done by other theorists,
researchers, academics, etc. in the same field.
The literature review process is an integral part of research planning. It provides a foundation 
for the researcher 
/student’s research and triggers creative thinking. It also assists in