Chapter 1: Understanding the Different Types of Literature Reviews
The first chapter of Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review introduces the different types of literature reviews. Descriptive-evaluative reviews are the most common type, in which the reviewer summarizes the literature and provides an opinion based on the evidence presented. Synthesis reviews go beyond summarizing and connect the evidence from various studies. Historical reviews examine literature from a particular time period. Systematic reviews use a well-defined process to evaluate the available literature and generate results. Finally, methodological reviews assess the validity of the methods used in the studies included.
Chapter 2: Accurately Summarizing the Literature
In chapter two, the authors discuss how to accurately summarize the literature. They explain that the reader should be guided by the review’s goal and the key points of the original literature. To obtain an accurate summary, the reviewer needs to read and re-read the work, ensure a thorough understanding of the material, and use synthesis and analysis to deduce the author’s purpose. For example, by combining the key points and evidence from multiple studies on student engagement in the classroom, the reviewer could determine that the consensus among researchers is that student engagement is improved when there is an intentional effort on the part of the teacher to create positive and engaging learning experiences.
Chapter 3: Critically Analyzing the Literature
In chapter three, the authors explain that critically analyzing the literature requires the reviewer to assess both the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. It is important to be mindful of potential biases in the research. When analyzing the literature, the reviewer should use both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a complete picture of the topic. Additionally, they should consider how the study was conducted, the results, and the implications of the findings. As an example, when evaluating the research cited on the impacts of homework assignments on student motivation, the reviewer should assess the validity of the methods used, the results of the studies, and the potential implications of the results.
Chapter 4: Incorporating Themes and Connecting Ideas
The fourth chapter focuses on incorporating themes and connecting ideas in the review. The reviewer should identify patterns in the literature, common themes and conclusions, and challenging findings. This is important for synthesizing the data from multiple sources. For instance, when evaluating a variety of studies on the impacts of using visuals in math instruction, the reviewer should pay attention to the different kinds of visuals used, the results, and the implications of the findings. With this information, they can determine which visuals are most effective and which should be avoided.
Chapter 5: Writing and Structuring the Review
The final chapter focuses on writing the review. The authors explain that the review should have a clear structure. This includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Additionally, they provide guidance on how to construct each of the sections. For instance, the introduction should explain the purpose of the review, provide an overview of the major themes, and introduce the key concepts. The body should include summaries of each source and a discussion of the larger conclusions. The conclusion should summarize the key points of the review and offer implications for further study.
Overall, Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review is a comprehensive guide to conducting a thorough and accurate literature review. The book explains the different types of reviews, how to summarize and analyze the literature, and how to write the review in an organized and articulate manner. By following the guidelines presented in the book, readers can be confident that their review will be a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the topic.
