Doing Your Literature Review
Traditional and Systematic Techniques
- Jill Jesson - Aston University, UK
- Lydia Matheson - Aston University, UK
- Fiona M Lacey - Aston University, UK
The literature review is a compulsory part of research and, increasingly, may form the whole of a student research project. This highly accessible book guides students through the production of either a traditional or a systematic literature review, clearly explaining the difference between the two types of review, the advantages and disadvantages of both, and the skills needed. It gives practical advice on reading and organizing relevant literature and critically assessing the reviewed field. Contents include:
- Using libraries and the internet
- Note making
- Presentation
- Critical analysis
- Referencing, plagiarism and copyright
This book will be relevant to students from any discipline. It includes contributions from both a professor and a librarian, each offering expert advice on either the creation and assessment of literature reviews or the process of searching for information. It is also highlights the increasing importance of the systematic review for many disciplines and presents the specific challenges which it brings.
'Tasks, tips, examples, figures and summaries in each chapter give the book a "self-guided" feel appropriate in a textbook, and the language is rarely arcane. Four useful appendices and a fine index complete the work. Overall, this is a sound guide for the absolute neophyte in how to create useable literature reviews. Part 2 is especially recommended as a good discussion of the ways and means of writing reviews. The work is useful for students at most levels, and for those who teach research methods and want a clear guide for literature reviews for their reading lists' -
G. E. Gorman
Online Information Review
'The main strength lies in the book's practical nature. The authors place great emphasis on the importance of proper searching techniques and encourage the use of specialist librarians. Chapters on reading and note-taking skills contain useful detail often missing from similar books - such as which bits of an article to read first, and how to make and store relevant notes that will be usable later. The examples of how to improve specific passages of writing are very valuable.'
The book does what it promises: it is an accessible and practical book, which many researchers can benefit from to improve their literature reviews.
I found this book particularly useful and comprehensive as well as easy to digest. The concepts were clear and entailed fluid explanations.
Great for students embarking on a dissertation project.
one of three recommended texts
a helpful overview for any students with plenty of examples to illustrate guidance.
This is a comprehensive guide to carrying out a literature review. It is clearly structured and of use to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It has been added to the module reading list.
This book has now been placed on our recommended list for the third year U/G dissertation students. I am also recommending post-graduate students - a very valuable resource.
It is excellent to have a dedicated text for the literature review chapter of the masters dissertation. This is a significant contribution to the overall mark and an area where academic skills should be evident. Well-structured with study skills chapters to support independent learning - an issue for many international students who enrol at this University. This book will be recommended to all research methods stage students, commencing in semester 2 (February 2012), prior to the revalidated programme commencing in September. It is a confidence builder and encourages students to make a start on the final element of their study programme.
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Has Jill Jesson/Sage considered recording a clip on You Tube to market this book more widely?
