Conducting a Literature Review in 5 Simple Steps.pptx

Presentation on 5 simple steps for consideration when conducting a literature review.

1. Conducting a Literature Review in 5 Simple Steps ANNA YANG, SCIENCE LIBRARIAN LIBRARY AND LEARNING COMMONS SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

2. What is a literature review? A literature review is… An analysis of scholarly work that relates to your topic A representation of the literature that provides a background on your topic An attempt to find the gaps or themes in the literature A literature review is NOT… Just a summary of sources A group of broad, unrelated sources “everything” that has been published on a topic A book review

3. 5 Simple Steps to a Literature Review Scope of your review Finding your information Evaluating your information Organizing your information Writing the literature review

4. Step 1: Scope of Your Review What is your research question? How many studies do you need to look at? How many sources does your assignment require? How comprehensive should this be? This depends on the area you’re looking at – how many years back are you looking?

5. Step 2: Finding Your Information Identify your keywords – search strings/search strategy Identify potential databases for searching (e.g. PubMed) Check your library’s research guide for selected databases Don’t forget to look at books and other types of sources (e.g. government documents) Mine references of useful sources

6. Step 3: Evaluating Your Information Review the abstracts Summarize each source – authority, currency, coverage and methodology Questions to help guide your analysis: What was the research question of the study you are reviewing? What was the paper trying to discover? Does the research seem complete? Is the study sound? Are there conflicting theories? If so, what are they?

7. Step 4: Organizing Your Information Use a citation tool Zotero RefWorks Categorize your sources Chronology – publications based on a timeline Methodology – based on different methods conducted Themes – highlight reoccurring themes found Keep notes

8. Step 5: Writing the Literature Review Establish the organizational structure of your literature review Break your sources into sections Things to remember: Use evidence Be selective Use quotes sparingly Use your voice

9. Key Takeaways Make sure your topic is manageable Use library databases Keep track of what sources you are using Identify and establish the flow of your literature review Read other literature reviews!

10. In-Class Activity Reviewing the Literature Review https://forms.gle/k3UbNgCVEzMUvz458

11. Contact Anna Yang, Science Librarian [email protected]