GSFS 300 Lecture 5: GSFS300L5
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What is a literature review: essay = reviews / reports on the current st. of academic knowledge on a spec. topic. Situates your research focus w/in the context of your field. Reports your crit. review of the relevant lit. Qualitative research ( eg. studies): what is the scope of my literature review, what types of publications am i using (eg. journals, books, government documents, Popular media): what discipline am i working in (eg. nursing, psychology, sociology, medicine) Discusses the kind of work done on the topic. Identifies any controversies or shifts in the field. Summarize and evaluate the current state of knowledge in the field. Note: major themes / topics, important trends, findings about which researchers agree or disagree. Purpose is to make an argument that will justify your proposed research. Be selective: discuss only that research which leads directly to your own project, conclusion. Highlights gaps and indicates need for your own research project and methodology.