Writing a Critical Literature Review

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Writing a Critical Literature Review

• Graham Tyson
• Sub-Dean
• Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Arts

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Introduction

• web resources
• Writing a literature review
• CSU Resource
• Mcleod, S., McAllister, L. The literature
  review for students and supervisors. CD
• There is no single correct way of writing a
  literature review

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What is a Literature Review

• What it is NOT
• A summary of the literature!
• What it IS
• An argument justifying the study

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• Writing a convincing argument
• Demonstrates the ability to identify relevant
  literature and use it appropriately.
• Shows an understanding of the issues in the area
  of research.
• Demonstrates an ability to critically assess the
  literature.
• Indicates that there is a gap in the literature
  that needs filling.

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Stages in writing the argument

• Identify the research question
• Searching the literature
• Sources
• NOT Wikipedia or Introductory textbooks.
• Read original sources
• Be systematic
• Dates

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Stages in writing the argument cont.

• Read critically
• Questions to ask when reading
• Dena Bain Taylor, University of Toronto, 2007
  http//www.ceu.hu/writing/lit_review.pdf

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Structuring the argument

• Funnel (inverted pyramid) approach
• Appropriate for focus
• Inverted funnel (pyramid) approach
• Appropriate for depth
• Pagoda approach

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Writing the argument

• Put yourself in the examiners shoes
• Organise the material conceptually
• The amount of responsibility assigned to the
  victim is influenced by factors such as the
  behaviour of the victim, e.g. encouraging,
  resisting or passive (Broussard Wagner, 1988
  Ford, Schindler, Medway, 2001) credibility
  (Hicks Tite, 1998), methodology used (Collings
  Bodill, 2003) and age (Hicks Tite, 1998
  Waterman Foss-Goodman,1984).

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Writing the argument cont.

• Relevance
• Emphasise relevance
• Discard irrelevant material

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Writing the argument cont.

• Use plain English
• Short sentences
• Link material transitional words

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Transitional words

• Pronouns - this, that, these
• referent
• Time links - then, next
• Cause (effect links) - therefore, consequently
• Additional links in addition, furthermore
• Contrast links - conversely, nevertheless,
  however.
• APA Publication Manual 5th ed.

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Writing the argument cont.

• Use plain English
• Short sentences
• Link material transitional words
• Use the active voice
• The questionnaire was filled in by the
  participants (passive)
• the participants filled in the questionnaire.
  (active)
• Avoid jargon

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Writing the argument cont.

• Learn when to stop.

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• The End