Understanding Literature Reviews in Social Research
(Theoretical Framework)
A literature review is a crucial part of any social research project. It helps you build a strong foundation for your research by examining what others have already discovered about your topic. Let’s explore why it’s important and how to do it effectively.
Why Literature Reviews Matter
- Discover Existing Knowledge: A literature review helps you understand what’s already known about your research area. This prevents you from repeating work that’s already been done and helps you identify gaps in current research.
- Refine Your Research: By reviewing existing literature, you can sharpen your research questions, identify important variables, and develop hypotheses. It also helps you connect theory with practice.
- Interpret Your Findings: When you complete your research, the literature review helps you make sense of your results by relating them to previous work.
What Counts as “Literature”?
“Literature” isn’t just books and articles. It can include:
- Academic books and journal articles
- Theses and conference papers
- Newspapers and media reports
- Government documents and reports
- Online resources
Each type of source has its strengths and limitations, so it’s important to use a variety of sources.
How to Review Literature Effectively
- Start Broad: Begin with textbooks and general sources to get an overview of your topic.
- Search Strategically: Use keywords and subject headings to search library catalogs and online databases. Narrow your focus as you clarify your research questions.
- Read with Purpose: As you read, focus on information relevant to your research questions. Take notes on key points and arguments.
- Evaluate Critically: Consider the credibility of each source and the strength of its arguments and evidence.
- Keep Good Records: Use a system (like bibliographic software or index cards) to track your sources, including notes and your own thoughts.
Presenting Your Literature Review
How you present your literature review depends on your project:
- In a thesis, it’s often a separate, in-depth section.
- In a research report, it provides context for your study.
- An annotated bibliography lists sources with brief summaries and evaluations.
Remember, reviewing literature is an ongoing process throughout your research project. It helps you start your research, refine your approach, and interpret your findings.
By mastering the art of literature review, you’ll build a solid foundation for your research and contribute more effectively to your field of study.