Finding and summarizing research literature.

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter is concerned with finding and summarizing the existing research. Finding the research involves conducting a literature review of the professional journals and academic books. Literature reviews serve a variety of functions (e.g. becoming familiar with the concepts used to understand a problem, developing a theoretical framework, providing a rationale for research questions/hypotheses), and can be done manually or electronically. The chapter outlines a series of six steps that should be followed when conducting a literature review. Taking notes on each article is a good starting point, but sometimes it is helpful to construct tables or figures that highlight the 'big picture'. After identifying and reading the pertinent literature, the chapter provides strategies for summarizing what is learned and discusses how to think critically about existing research.