Define Or Identify The General Topic Or Issue

Define Or Identify The General Topic Issue Or Are

1. Introduction o Define or identify the general topic, issue, or area of concern, thus providing an appropriate context for reviewing the literature. o Point out overall trends in what has been published about the topic; or conflicts in theory, methodology, evidence, and conclusions; or gaps in research and scholarship; or a single problem or new perspective of immediate interest. o Establish the writer's reason (point of view) for reviewing the literature; explain the criteria to be used in analyzing and comparing literature and the organization of the review (sequence); and, when necessary, state why certain literature is or is not included (scope).

2. Body o Group research studies and other types of literature (reviews, theoretical articles, case studies, etc.) according to common denominators such as qualitative versus quantitative approaches, conclusions of authors, specific purpose or objective, chronology, etc. o Summarize individual studies or articles with as much or as little detail as each merits according to its comparative importance in the literature, remembering that space (length) denotes significance. o In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:

  • Provenance - What are the author's credentials? Are the author's arguments supported by evidence (e.g., primary historical material, case studies, narratives, statistics, recent scientific findings)?
  • Objectivity - Is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial? Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author's point?
  • Persuasiveness - Which of the author's theses are most/least convincing?
  • Value - Are the author's arguments and conclusions convincing? Does the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an understanding of the subject?

o Provide the reader with strong "umbrella" sentences at beginnings of paragraphs, "signposts" throughout, and brief "so what" summary sentences at intermediate points in the review to aid in understanding comparisons and analyses.

· Conclusion o Summarize major contributions of significant studies and articles to the body of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the introduction. o Evaluate the current "state of the art" for the body of knowledge reviewed, pointing out major methodological flaws or gaps in research, inconsistencies in theory and findings, and areas or issues pertinent to future study. o Conclude by providing some insight into the relationship between the central topic of the literature review and a larger area of study such as a discipline, a scientific endeavor, or a profession.

Paper For Above instruction

A comprehensive and systematic literature review is an essential foundation for understanding the broader context and nuances of a specific research topic. The initial step involves defining or pinpointing the general area of concern or issue that the review aims to address. This sets the stage for identifying relevant literature and understanding the existing landscape of knowledge, including prevailing trends, conflicts, gaps, and emerging perspectives.

The introduction must articulate the rationale for reviewing the selected literature, clarifying the criteria used for inclusion and the organization of the review. This may involve explaining whether the literature is grouped by methodology, chronological development, theoretical framework, or other relevant factors. For instance, a researcher might focus on the evolution of qualitative studies over time or compare findings across different theoretical models.

In the body of the review, literature is systematically categorized based on common features such as research approach, thematic focus, or publication date. Summaries should highlight the main points of each work, emphasizing significance and contribution to the field. Critical assessment involves evaluating the provenance of the studies—such as the credentials of the authors and the robustness of evidence—along with their objectivity and persuasiveness. Such evaluations help determine the reliability and impact of each piece.

Effective literature reviews will utilize strong signposting, including topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs to guide readers and transition sentences that maintain clarity for complex comparisons. “So what” sentences towards the end of sections help synthesize insights and relate individual findings to overarching themes.

The conclusion synthesizes the pivotal contributions of the reviewed literature, identifies methodological limitations, unresolved questions, and inconsistencies. It discusses gaps that future research could address and reflects on how the current knowledge integrates into the broader discipline or scientific area. This comprehensive summary not only consolidates existing insights but also provides direction for subsequent investigations.

Ultimately, a well-structured literature review clarifies the state of current research, demonstrates critical engagement with the material, and contextualizes the field within its larger intellectual or practical framework. It exemplifies rigorous academic inquiry and prepares the ground for advancing knowledge through future research endeavors.

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