Literature Review Strategies
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Literature Review for PhD Research course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Literature Review Strategies #
Literature Review Strategies
Literature review strategies refer to the systematic approaches and techniques u… #
In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Literature Review for PhD Research, understanding and implementing effective literature review strategies are essential for conducting high-quality research.
Some common literature review strategies include: #
Some common literature review strategies include:
1. Keyword Search #
Using relevant keywords to search for literature in academic databases, libraries, and online repositories. This strategy helps researchers identify relevant studies and articles related to their research topic.
2. Snowballing #
This technique involves examining the reference lists of key articles to identify additional sources that may be relevant to the research topic. By following the citations in existing literature, researchers can uncover new sources and expand their knowledge base.
3. Systematic Review #
A rigorous method of reviewing literature that follows a predefined protocol to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant studies on a particular topic. Systematic reviews help minimize bias and provide an evidence-based overview of existing research.
4. Meta #
Analysis: A statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies on a similar topic to generate a more precise estimate of the overall effect. Meta-analyses allow researchers to draw more robust conclusions by pooling data from diverse sources.
5. Thematic Analysis #
A qualitative approach to reviewing literature that involves identifying common themes, patterns, and trends across different studies. Thematic analysis helps researchers organize and synthesize the findings of existing literature in a coherent manner.
6. Critical Appraisal #
Evaluating the quality, relevance, and reliability of literature sources to determine their credibility and validity. Critical appraisal involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each study to ensure the research is based on sound evidence.
7. Citation Tracking #
Tracing citations forward and backward in time to identify influential papers and key authors in a particular field. Citation tracking helps researchers understand the evolution of ideas and connections between different studies.
8. Database Alerts #
Setting up alerts in academic databases to receive notifications about new publications, articles, and research studies relevant to the research topic. Database alerts help researchers stay updated on the latest developments in their field.
9. Mind Mapping #
Visualizing the relationships between different concepts, theories, and studies using mind mapping tools. Mind mapping helps researchers organize their thoughts, identify gaps in the literature, and develop a coherent structure for the literature review.
10. Collaborative Writing #
Working with peers, mentors, or research supervisors to co-author literature reviews and exchange feedback on draft versions. Collaborative writing can enhance the quality of the review by incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise.
In the Advanced Certificate in Literature Review for PhD Research, students are… #
By adopting a systematic and critical approach to reviewing existing literature, researchers can build a strong foundation for their research projects and contribute to advancing knowledge in their respective fields.