SHS
Practical Research 1
Quarter 3: Week 5 & 6 Module 3
Learning from Others and Reviewing
the Literature
Lesson 1: Selecting Relevant Literature
JUMPSTART
Literature is an oral or written record of man’s significant experiences that are
expressed in an ordinary manner. It is conveyed directly or indirectly. Direct
expressions is in books, journals, periodic papers, and online reading materials.
Indirect expressions are not written or spoken at all but is mirror image of his
environment (Ridley 2012).
The Review of Related Literature is one of the main components of a research
study, specifically in the second chapter. It gives an overview of all the writings
relative to a specific topic (Prieto, Naval & Carey, 2017). Therefore, selecting the right
sources for the literature review is very important in producing a quality research
paper.
In the previous lessons, you learned the importance of understanding the
value of qualitative research: its kinds, characteristics, uses, strengths, weaknesses,
specificity, and the feasibility of the study. A good introductory page is a baseline
statement of what and how a paper should go fluidly. However, a review of related
literature will strengthen your claims of a systematic, purposeful, and well-defined
research paper. In this part, you will be exploring the process or reviewing related
literatures.
DISCOVER
We are now living in the world bounded by research. As you learned in the
previous lessons, research is essential for every field. One vital part of it is review of
related literature. Learning how to select relevant literature can give you an overview
or act as a steppingstone in doing a research. This comprehensive knowledge of
selecting literature review is an essential skill that you need to be equipped with in
order to succeed in your research paper.
A review of related literature is the process of collecting, selecting, and reading
books, journals, reports, abstracts, and other reference materials. The following
information may be collected:
1) Background knowledge about the problem and associated ideas.
2) Theories that give details of the presence of the problem and certain variables
that is connected to the problem.
3) Data that prove the occurrence and gravity of the problem
4) Detailed and broad results of related studies
5) Gaps and recommendations for additional study specified in related studies
The significance and rationale of related literature and studies is to find out the
similarities and differences between the past and present studies, to get ideas into
the critical and controversial aspects of the problem. It helps recognize and define a
research problem. It gives the researcher a background analysis aspect, which have
been studied. It guides the researcher on what to do on the mechanism of the
research methods; this also provides the thoughts to advance with the study until
its conclusion. It avoids redundant duplication of a study. Moreover, reading
extensively will enrich your background knowledge on your research topic that will
enable you to establish a good groundwork or course of your research endeavor.
What are the sources of Literature Review?
Primary Sources Secondary Sources
Provide first-hand information that is Provide second-hand data or
closest to the object of the study. information. Sources that are non-
Embody all sources that are original original. Written about primary sources
Different Types of Literature by Wallace and Wray (2006, p.92)
Theoretical Literature describes expected or anticipated relationships about the
way things happen
Research Literature refers to a report of a systematic investigation that has
been undertaken in need to answer a specific problem
Empirical Research deals with a research that was done through the observation
and measurement of the world around us.
Practice Literature
written by practitioners about their field of expertise.
Policy Literature
tells practitioners how to act in a set of circumstances.
Remember Me!
1) A Review of the Related Literature provides a concise summary of information and
data findings that describe current knowledge and facts.
2) It provides foundation of knowledge on a topic. It identifies areas of prior
scholarship to prevent duplication and give credits to researchers. It helps selects
appropriate material in designing your research methodology and find relationship
among researches.
3) A good literature involves 5c’s; Cite, Compare, Contrast, Critique and Connect.
4) There are two sources of literature review; the primary sources which contains the
first-hand information and the secondary sources which contains non-original
information.
5) There are five types of literature. It includes theoretical literature, research
literature, empirical research, practice literature and policy literature.
Lesson 2: Citing Related Literature Using Standard Style
JUMPSTART
There are a lot of ways to bring in the flow of literature review that will
help learners develop their research. Frequently asked questions on how to
proceed in the conduct of literature review includes: how to look for sources, how
many sources should be cited, how to discuss ideas taken from the studies
cited, how to cite authors, and further. The aim of this lesson is to present a
step-by-step guide in undertaking a review of literature to facilitate your
understanding.
In the previous lesson, you learned the definition, importance, and purpose of
literature review. An effective literature review selects the right and specific write ups
that give close information to an identified topic, scrutinize, and synthesize content
about key themes or issues, cites properly authors of information gathered, identify
similarities and differences between chosen literatures and a lot more. Selecting,
citing, and synthesizing related literature needs a thorough development of skills in
searching, reading, paraphrasing, writing, and even creating your own page of article
after reviewing a whole bunch of related sources.
DISCOVER
As you do literature review, it is required for you to cite the literature you have
used. Learning this skill will allow you do research ethically. Following standard style
in citing literature review will help you effectively use sources in your writing. Aside
from research, this will also be helpful in other fields such as making a term paper,
essays, book review, etc.
Always Remember!
All reading materials related to your research that you intend to review or re-
examine offer you concepts, ideas, or information belonging to other people. It is a
must for you to cite or make a citation, an in-text citation. (Lupogan, 2018)
Proper citation is one of the important skills that you need to learn in doing a
literature review. Learning this new skill is one of the ethical standards in research
and it will greatly help you to avoid plagiarism in your research.
Vocabulary check!
According to the University of Oxford 2020, plagiarism is presenting someone
else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it
into your work without full acknowledgment.
“Are you ready to unlock your new skill? If you’re ready, follow me!”
In-text citation should be based on the current edition of the American
Association (APA), Modern Language Association of America (MLA) or the Chicago
Manual of Style and other standards relevant to one’s discipline.
3 Most Common Used In-Text Citation Style
Aspects APA System MLA System Chicago Manual
System
Areas applicable Psychology, Arts and History and many other
Education, and Humanities subjects in scholarly
other Social and non-scholarly work
Sciences
General Rule Follows author- Follows author- Follows author- date
date system. page method system.
system.
Cite the author Cite author's last Cite author’s last name,
or editor’s last name and a followed by the year of
name, year page, reference publication of the work
suffices. in question, and a page
of publication. number if needed. No
punctuation appears
between author and
date.
Sources: Adapted from APA Manual, 6th ed., Cornell University Library PSEC Documentation Working Group – revised October 2012,
DIWA Senior High School Series, Newton Gresham Library Sam Houston State University, APA Format (6th Edition), The Reference
List and Citations Style Guide for MDPI HSS Journals, March 2017 v1
Take note that whatever style or system is required in your research, you must
make sure that all the sources used and cited in your literature review should appear
in the “reference” list for APA and Chicago Manual and “works cited” list for MLA.
Examples
Aspects APA System MLA System Chicago
Manual System
Chenail (1995) Dover has One researcher
asserted that
In text expressed this (Johnson 2019)
data is to be
concern (118- stated …
Single presented in a
Author simple is
…data format.
to be 21).
In reference/ This concern Researcher
resented in a has been suggested that…
Parenthetical
simple format
format expressed (Johnson 2019).
(Chenail,
1995). (Dover 118-
21).
Bradly and Both styles
Reverte and Rogers stated (Johnson and
One work In text Irving
in the Smith 2017)
by Two or (2009)
explained that… hypothesis… suggested that…
three
In reference/ (7) …both styles
Authors …as has been This
Parenthetical mentioned as
format shown (Reverte hypothesis…
shown (Johnson
& Irving, 2009). (Bradley and
and Smith 2017).
Rogers 7).
One work Poe et al. Sumner et al. This formula
by more In text (2009) suggested suggested (Dale et al. 2016)
than Three that… that… asserted that...
Authors
In reference/ …as shown (Poe et (23)
…suggeste
Note: Only …the asserted
Parenthetical al., 2009). d this
cite the first formula shown
format theory
author or (Dale et al. 2016).
editor’s last (Sumner et
name and al. 23).
add “et al.”
Unknow n Using Using a Using an
Authors anonymous: source: organization:
Anonymous Annual Chicago Style
Note: If no In text (2001) implied
Guide Citation (Scribbr
author is that…
listed, you Report 2019) implied
can refer to stated that…
the In reference/ …implied that that… (4) …implied that
organization Parenthetical …as stated by
Education Chicago Style
, title of format (Anonymous, the Citation (Scribbr
source, presidential
2001). 2019).
book or commission
report. (Annual Guide
In rare case
Report 4).
the
“Anonymous”
is used for the
author.
Sources: Adapted from APA Manual, 6th ed., Cornell University Library PSEC Documentation Working Group – revised October 2012,
DIWA Senior High School Series, Newton Gresham Library Sam Houston State University, APA Format (6th Edition), The Reference
List and Citations Style Guide for MDPI HSS Journals, March 2017 v1
Lesson 3: Synthesizing Information from Relevant
Literature
JUMPSTART
This time, you will be guided through the process of synthesis which will make
you identify, analyze, and evaluate various materials. You may find it challenging to
organize ideas and information in a meaningful way. To help you with this, you need
to learn how to synthesize information from relevant literature and that will be the
purpose of this lesson.
Activity 3.1 Amazing Maze
Directions: Provided below is a maze, you are task to connect the words to form
sentences. Find your way from the beginning of the maze to the end. Write
the sentences in a separate sheet of paper.
DISCOVER
After you have collected the articles you intend to use in your literature review,
you are ready to analyze each one – break it down and identify the important
information in it and synthesize the collection of articles, integrate them and identify
the conclusions that can be drawn from the articles as a group.
How to make synthesis of literature review?
You must integrate materials from several sources that relate to your research
problem. In simple term, you are just like putting puzzles pieces
How to synthesize effectively?
An effective synthesis includes strong, clear and precise statements. It must discuss
sources in relation to your research problem. When you are using more than one
sources make sure to relate or compare with each other. Use more sources, the more
sources you must support your claim make your research paper more credible.
Types of Synthesis
1 ) Similarity → demonstrate how two or more sources agree with one another.
2 ) Contrast → show how two or more sources support a main point in different
ways.
3 ) Accumulation → refers on how one source builds on the idea of another.
4 ) Causation → demonstrate how one source discusses the effects of another
source’s ideas.
According to Garrard (2017), your synthesis must demonstrate a critical
analysis of the sources/materials you’ve collected as well as your ability to integrate
it with your analysis into your own research. He added that collection of materials
should be based for its adequacy, appropriateness, and thoroughness. Materials
that do not meet these criteria are discouraged to use in your synthesis.
Guidelines in Synthesizing Information from Relevant Literature
1) Analyze – skim the articles to get an overview of each one.
2) Based on your overview, group the articles by categories. It is common to group
by topic and subtopic and then chronologically within each topic.
3) Take detailed notes on each article. Use a consistent format.
Example:
a. Author:
b. Article Title:
c. Publication Year:
d. Main point of article:
e. Method:
f. Participants: How many were there, what were their demographics, and how
were they sampled?
g. Independent Variable (IV) or quasi-IV: Were participants randomly assigned to
groups, or divided into groups based on a pre-existing variable? If there was
an IV, how was it manipulated?
h. Dependent Variables (DVs): How were they operationalized and measured?
i. Results:
j. Conclusions:
k. Specific details that are especially relevant to your study.
4) Look for explicit definitions of key terms in the literature. Note whether different
authors use different definitions.
5) Look for key statistics that you might use in your introduction.
6) Identify short notable quotations that might be used sparingly in your review
because they make a point very concise.
7) Look for methodological strengths and weaknesses.
8) Distinguish between an author’s assertations and evidence in support of the
assertations.
9) Identify gaps in the literature.
10) Identify relationships among studies.
11) Note how closely each article relates to your topic.
12) Evaluate your reference list for currency and coverage.
13) Synthesize – Create an outline that puts your topics and subtopics in a logical
order.
14) For each subtopic you identified during your analysis, determine how the articles
in that group have in common.
15) For each subtopic you identified during your analysis, determine how the articles
in that group differ.
16) If there are contradictory findings, you may be able to identify methodological
differences that could account for the contradiction (e.g., differences in
measurement or participant demographics)
17) Determine what general conclusions you can report about a subtopic, given the
entire group of studies related to it.
18) As you begin to write your introduction, follow your outline and remember to use
transitions between topics.
Adapted from Galvan, J. L. (2006). Writing Literature reviews (3 rd Ed). Glendale, CA: Pyrozak Publishing.
Another tip: When doing synthesis creating a grid, matrix, concept map table or
an outline that you will summarize, using the common themes you have identified and
the sources you have found are better ways to organize concepts. Whichever method
you use, it will help you organize and summarize the content of your literature review.
EXPLORE
Guide matrix for your synthesis. Keep your head high my dear. Keep on striving!
Research Problem: e.g. Bully vs. Bullied
Source #1 Source #2 Source #3
Main Idea 1
e.g. Getting to knowNotes… Quotations… Keywords…
bullies
Main Idea 2
e.g. Laws regardingNotes… Quotations… Keywords…
bullying
Lesson 4: Writes Coherent Review of Literature
JUMPSTART
Review of Related Literature and the purpose it serves in research
This is a written summary of journal articles, books, and other documents that
describes the past and current state of information on the topic of your research
study.
➢ to justify your choice of research question, theoretical or conceptual
framework, and method.
➢ to establish the importance of the topic.
➢ to provide background information needed to understand the study.
➢ to show readers you are familiar with significant and/or up-to-date research
relevant to the topic; and
➢ to establish your study as one link in a chain of research that is developing
knowledge in your field.
DISCOVER
In writing this section…
o Use the statement of problem as guide to structure and sequence of topics
o Avoid ‘copy/cut and paste; all literature cited must form a coherent whole
o Last part highlights gaps in literature specifically addressed by your study
o Use appropriate format for citations and references
o Cited references should be congruent to bibliography entries
How to come up with effective research review?
Copper (1988) suggests that a good research review must have the following
characteristics:
1. Focus—concentrate on four foci: research theories, methods, outcomes, and
practices and applications
o theories helps in looking at the relationships between the variables and
concepts being studied with than of the present ones
o methods help in finding the best methodology and the variables looked
into
o outcomes help in identifying the gaps of information
o application and practices is more on the implication of the findings to
policy, people, knowledge, education, etc.
2. Goal--useful in integrating, resolving, bridging and generalizing the theories and
concepts under study. Explicate the arguments.
3. Coverage—looks on how wide the study must be by looking at sample/population
(central and representative), how exhaustive the sampling was and how they
were selected
4. Organization or format—helps in designing the presentation of the literature
review, which this can be historical in format (development of related concepts,
theories, or findings), conceptual in format—that is about the relationship about
the concepts that the researcher is looking into, and methodological in format—
that is the presentation more focus on the research methods applied
5. Audience—always consider that your research work is intended to fellow
researchers, academicians, and professionals, thus avoid writing it for general
public or for laymen.
Structure of review of literature
Under the APA format, the structure of the literature review must be
“continuous in the flow of thought”—that is the different paragraphs or sections must
be linked to one another. They may reinforce the previous entries or contradict them.
Do not categorize the entries into local, national, or international.
It can be composed of the following: introduction, body, and conclusion.
▪ Introduction – give a quick idea of the topic of the literature review as the
central theme or organizational pattern.
▪ Body – contains your discussion of sources.
▪ Conclusion – Discuss what you have drawn from reviewing the literature so
far. Where might the discussion proceed? Under the conclusion part, establish
your reason or point of view about the literature or study, compare and
contrast them first and come up with your own point of view why you have
included the concept, theory or findings of the reviewed literature.
Organization of literature review
A general organization looks like a funnel
Broader topics
Subtopics
Studies like yours
How to organize studies:
• Chronological
– By publication date
– By trend
• Thematic
– A structure which considers different themes
• Methodological
– Focuses on the methods of the researcher, e.g., qualitative versus
quantitative approaches
Making links between studies:
Agreements
• Similarly, author B points to…
• Likewise, author C makes the case that…
• Author D also makes this point…
• Again, it is possible to see how author E agrees with author D…
Disagreements
• However, author B points to…
• On the other hand, author C makes the case that…
• Conversely, Author D argues…
• Nevertheless, what author E suggests…
Consider the 5C’s in reviewing and writing.
1. CITE by keeping on the primary focus on the literature
2. COMPARE the various arguments, theories, methodologies, approaches and or
findings expressed in the literature. What the authors agree on? Who employ
similar approaches? What are their findings?
3. CONTRAST the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and
controversies expressed in the literature. What are the areas of major
disagreement, controversy, or debate?
4. CRITIQUE the literature. Which argument is more persuasive and why? Which
approach, finding or methodology seem the most reliable, valid, or appropriate
and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe on what the author says
or does?
5. CONNECT the literature to your own research area. How does your own work
draw on or depart from the reviewed literature?
BOTTOM LINE: Review of related literature is a discursive prose and not simply
describing and summarizing what has been read and written.
Some important points to consider
GOLDEN RULE
TAKE A READER’S VIEW Write for your audience not for yourself.
TELL A STORY Direct your research, but keep a clear focus in the paper and
present results related to it
BE YOURSELF Write like you are speaking, then revise and polish
MAKE IT SIMPLE Use simple examples to explain complex methodology
MAKE IT CONCRETE Use concrete words and strong verbs. Avoid ambiguous
words
MAKE IT SHORT Avoid redundancy and over-explanation
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY Make clear distinction between your work and that of others
MAKE STRONG Ex. We concluded…instead of –It can be concluded….
STATEMENTS
BE SELF-CRITICAL Consider uncertainty of conclusions and their implications.
Acknowledge others’ work.
EXPLORE
Activity 4.1: Complete Me!
Based on the discussion above, process the methods of selecting, citing, and
synthesizing literature review by filling in the blanks provided in each statement.
1) In selecting sources of related literature, choose articles which are related
to your research interest.
2) A are brief summaries of research work presented at conferences.
3) A is a scholarly written article submitted for a doctorate or a higher degree at a
university.
4) A method of expressing borrowed ideas using different words to give clarity to an
idea is called .
5) Using is a technique in paraphrasing which utilize words of same meanings.
6) In making , all materials including all books, journal, theses, dissertations, and
other literary works are listed alphabetically or chronologically as it appears in
the manuscript.
7) A/an format of referencing is the most frequently used within the social
sciences in citing various sources.
8) _ is a shortened version of the original text expressed in your own
language, picking only the most important details of the text.
9) It is necessary to acknowledge other people’s intellectual rights to avoid the act
of stealing other intellectual properties known as .
10) Referencing within the main body of the text is branded as .