Book Roberts C M Hyatt L 2019 The Dissertation Journey

Book Roberts C M Hyatt L 2019the Dissertation Journey A P

Read Chapters 6 & 9. Discussion Question: Post must be at least 350 words. Since a critical step in preparing to complete a dissertation topic for research begins by having a good understanding of the most current, supportive literature, the literature review is usually found at the beginning of a dissertation and then is referred to throughout the rest of the writings. There are many steps in accurately preparing and writing a literature review. The eight steps listed by the required reading reflect upon the two steps you feel are the most important in such review's success.

Discussion Question: Post must be at least 350 words. Select two additional steps and explain why these are also key parts of the literature review process. Use information from your readings to support your selection, along with providing some examples of how this would be seen by both the researcher and the reader.

Paper For Above instruction

The literature review is a vital component of the dissertation process, serving as the foundation upon which the research is built. Its primary purpose is to synthesize existing knowledge pertinent to the research topic, identify gaps in the literature, and establish a theoretical framework for the study (Roberts & Hyatt, 2019). Among the multiple steps involved in constructing an effective literature review, transparency in search strategies and critical evaluation of sources emerge as particularly crucial. Additionally, I will discuss two other steps I consider vital: synthesizing the literature and maintaining a logical organization.

Firstly, transparency in search strategies ensures that the review is comprehensive and reproducible. This step involves clearly documenting search terms, databases used, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the time frame of the search. For the researcher, this step promotes rigor by preventing bias and ensuring that all relevant sources are considered (Galvan & Galvan, 2017). For the reader, transparency offers confidence that the review is thorough and that the conclusions are based on systematically gathered evidence. For example, a researcher may document that they searched ERIC and PsycINFO databases using specific keywords like "educational leadership" and "student engagement," within publications from 2010 to 2020, which allows others to replicate or extend the research later.

Secondly, critical evaluation of sources involves assessing the credibility, relevance, and contribution of each piece of literature. It is essential because it filters out less reliable studies and highlights the most pertinent findings (Boote & Beile, 2005). For the researcher, this step helps in developing a nuanced understanding of the current state of knowledge, guiding the framing of research questions and hypotheses. For the reader, critical evaluation provides clarity on the validity and significance of the cited works. For instance, the researcher might evaluate whether a study's methodology was sound or if its sample size was adequate, thus strengthening the credibility of the literature review.

Furthermore, synthesizing the literature involves integrating findings from various sources to identify patterns, contradictions, and gaps, which helps to construct a coherent narrative (Roberts & Hyatt, 2019). Effective synthesis allows the researcher to demonstrate how each piece of literature contributes to understanding the research problem. For example, by comparing studies on student motivation, the researcher can highlight inconsistent findings and suggest areas needing further investigation.

Additionally, maintaining a logical organization throughout the review enhances readability and comprehension. Structuring the review by themes, methodologies, or chronological order helps both the researcher and reader follow the progression of thought and locate specific information efficiently. For example, grouping literature into sections such as theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and gaps enables clarity and focus in presenting the landscape of the research topic.

In conclusion, while all steps in the literature review process are important, transparency in search strategies and critical evaluation are foundational. Furthermore, synthesizing the literature and organizing it logically are equally essential for producing a comprehensive, credible, and accessible review that supports the overall dissertation.

References

• Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars Before Researchers: On the Centrality of the Dissertation Literature Review in Academic Search. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3-15.
• Galvan, J. L., & Galvan, M. C. (2017). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Routledge.
• Roberts, C. M., & Hyatt, L. (2019). The dissertation journey: A practical guide to planning, writing, and defending your dissertation (3rd ed.). Corwin Publishing Co.
• Hart, C. (1998). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination. Sage Publications.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
• Ridley, D. (2012). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students. Sage Publications.
• Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars Before Researchers: On the Centrality of the Dissertation Literature Review in Academic Search. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3-15.
• Fink, A. (2019). Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper. Sage Publications.
• Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Toward a Methodology for Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207-222.
• Locke, L. F., Spirduso, W. W., & Silverman, S. J. (2013). Reading and understanding research. Sage Publications.