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Writing the LiteratureReviewA Guide for Exercise & Sport Science,

Music, Psychology, & other Majors

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Literature Review

A ProcessThe literature review: A synthesis of studies on any given topic.

Usually precedes a full-length original study as a way of introducing

the general topic.Its purpose: To help the reader understand the background to your

study and see how its the next logical study to be conducted in this

domain.

Necessarily, a good literature review requires a thoroughly researched

topic.

Be prepared for a writing process. Do not attempt to write a literature

review over night. This process takes weeks and months. Yes, months.

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Literature Review:

PreparationsThere are a number of preliminary steps toconsider:

Determine whether the literature review will bequantitative (must be theory-driven) orqualitative. Either choice will determine youremphasis on statistics.

Topic selection and narrowing.

Research, research, research . . .

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Topic Selection

Work with your professor and/or research project mentor to select yourtopic.

Examine a wide array of resources for ideas on topic selection:

Textbooks

Titles and abstracts of other articles

Broad theories (as areas for exploration)

Delimitations (to find a niche)

Remember to brainstorm with other individuals. The Writing Center isawesome for this.

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Research StrategiesDo notdevelop an outline at this stage. Research first. Outline later.

Use RefWorks to help you keep your research organized.

Be professional in your selection of sources.

Peer-reviewed articles are a BIG deal.Databases are an enormous resource for a literature review assignment.

PsychARTICLES, PsychINFO, ERIC, etc.

Abstract databases are helpful; if used, be sure to order articles. You cant cite

from mere abstracts in your paper. You must read and cite the entire article.

Cast your net wide.

Remember to use your databases thesaurus to explore more options for

research.

Use every search tool available to you. Google Scholar can be useful, if yourprofessor allows Internet research. (Dr. Fox: No Internet Web sites!)

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Evaluating &

Interpreting ResearchEnsure your information is both accurate and unbiased.

Stick to peer reviewed sources only. (Its worth repeating. )

Some Internet sources can be veryup-to-date and therefore can be especiallyuseful if statistics are required. (FedStats.gov, state government Web sites, etc.)

Be guarded against any research that claims to prove an idea. Unequivocal results are

rare.

Consider each studys methods, measurements, and significance to evaluate whether

you should use it.

Finally, take caution when you encounter research studies--especially qualitativeresearch studies--that attempt to show causality.

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Organizing & OutliningOrganization is keyto the construction of an effective literature review.

Let your outline flow from your research.

Good organization begins with conscientious research.

Take thorough research notes. Begin grouping your sources by topic,delimitation, and chronology. Make piles on a large table. Literally.

Pay extremely good attention to key definitions as you do your research.

Establish which studies are going to be most important for your review; takemore thorough notes on these studies.

However, avoid too many quotations in your notes. Dr. Fox allows only 1-2quotations maximum! Learn how to paraphrase well. (The writing center canhelp!)

Use RefWorks to keep all the information organized.

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Organizing & Outlining

Create a topic outline before you begin drafting

In your literature reviews Introduction:

Identify the topic

Establish the topics importance

Define any crucial terms

Engage in any theoretical discussions that are necessary for the logic of your literaturereview

Arrange the raw research. This part of outlining will be considerably easier if youve done a

good job organizing the data ahead of time (i.e., worked from piles!).

Remember as you outline: Logical cohesion and flow are vital!

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Drafting Strategies

Follow your topic outline as you write.

Develop and maintain a logical progression(think: giant funnel). Thispaper is not a (glorified) list.

Demonstrate consistencies in and relationships between the literature

youve studied.

Likewise, emphasize the stronger studies (e.g., have bettermeasurements or more consistent methods) over ones that are

weaker.

Make the implications of your information and any suggestions for furtherresearch as specific as possible.

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A sample paragraph

with transitionsResearchers have conducted studies about siblings of special needs and

autistic children because this group is vulnerable to adjustment difficulties (Cuskelly,1999). In fact, specialists have compared the sibling-autism relationship to the MRrelationship. They have also studied the importance of the family, and particularly

the mother, in this relationship. In addition, Kaminsky and Dewey (2001) found thatthe autism-sibling relationship is characterized by less intimacy and pro-socialbehavior. This study likewise reports that these relationships were marked by fewerinstances of quarreling. While this phenomenon may occur because of the uniquesituation of the autism-sibling relationship, less fighting is also a positive illustrationof a relationship marked by more admiration. Furthermore, Rivers and Stoneman(2003) define this relationship as asymmetrical. These results are also similar to the

MR-sibling relationship, as reported by Knott, et al. (1995). Rivers and Stoneman(2003) reveal, too, that parents worry about the autism-sibling relationship in theirfamilies. The importance of the familys influence on the autism-sibling relationshipis very useful for this research study and thus, will be discussed in the conclusion ofthe literature review. ~Ellen Geib, CU Writing Center Tutor

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Introduction

& Conclusion

Introduction: Explain literature review structure.

Thesis: Establish the logical progression.

Conclusion: Specifically identify the study that willfollow (i.e., your original study!) as a result of thisliterature review.

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Drafting: Pitfalls to AvoidUnprofessional language: Avoid the appearance of cheekiness oremotional appeal.

Dont plagiarize! Be extremely careful with your paraphrasing. In fact,

attend or view online the writing centers workshop, Writing Papers with aGood Conscience!

Too many quotations: Only quote those elements which need theutmost precision. In Dr. Foxs class, one or two quotations max.

Lack of Fluency and Cohesiveness: Your literature review should notread like a list of facts.

Use transitions to develop fluency. APA headings do notsubstitutefor transitions.

Show connections between the literature

Develop your thesis in the paper itself.

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Go Forth and Write! And come see us:

MWF 1-5 p.m.T/TH 12:30-5 p.m.

M-TH 7-11 p.m.

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Website Information

Workshop Schedule, Power Point

Presentations, & Videos:http://www.cedarville.edu/Offices/Writing-

Center/Workshop-Information.aspx

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