Search Management

Ways in which you can document the collection of material: the search log

•Collate a list of sources

•Card indexes

•Timetables/log sheet – to refer back to

•Bibliography

•Copies of documents or CD list of reference titles

•Computerized list of file names and contents

How to keep a search log

•Use a simple ring binder to make notes and file them appropriately into sections.

•Alternatively, use a word document or excel spreadsheet to make entries like a journal.

•Every time you do something, record it, and file the notes. Handwritten or typed notes are fine.

Constructing a Bibliography

It is important to construct and maintain a bibliography. A variety of methods could be used such as the following:

•A card index – including author, title, place of publication, date, publisher & notes

•Electronic database – range of software available

Search Management

•Create sub topics in your database or card file which allows you to construct several bibliographies

•Organize your notes into sections – eg themes

•Use a physical store such as a filing cabinet or file box to collect articles and copies of material. It is important to index and write an abstract for each of them.

•Set up files on your computer in subheadings

•Make back-up files!

•Do printouts of your computer files

Get to know the library & consult colleagues & your supervisor

•Visit the library, talk to the librarian, acquaint yourself with search engines and databases and how to use the catalogue to obtain the best results

Learn about key word searches – nouns & adjectives, and truncation symbols (*/and/or)

•Identify journals and databases most relevant to your field

•Consult other colleagues and your supervisor for references that will introduce you to the field

Writing the Literature

Review:

1.Draw a concept map or outline

2.Select the most important readings

3.Synthesize the knowledge

4.Structure the chapter into a readable piece of academic writing

5.Identify the parent disciplines and devote a main section to each

6.Focus on research concepts

7.Narrow down the field to create a theoretical framework to examine your research question or hypothesis

Writing the Literature

Review:

So what is a literature review?

It is simpler to understand it as a review of the literature. A review of the literature presents the key themes written about a topic, and cites the sources. A literature review presents a perspective, and often a critical view, of the state of information on a given

topic.

Where do I begin my research journey?

With the literature! To know what had already been written on the area, and what the gaps are. In other words, what would my greatest knowledge contribution to the field look like?

Examples:

•lit review examples\DBA thesis formatted final.doc(DBA - Business)

•Tourism (Ph.D Humanities)

•lit review examples\health science MA thesis lit review.docx(Health Science MA)

•lit review examples\Bond Law PhD.pdf (Ph.D Law)

•lit review examples\PhD of law.pdf (Ph.D Economics/Law)

Writing the Literature

Review:

Remember the key principles for composing any written material. Tell the reader what you are going to say, say it, and then tell the reader what you said. In other words, introduce the body of literature you are examining, and a thesis statement about that literature.

Support your assertion through reviewing the literature. You will likely use some direct quotes. Remember to introduce the quote, insert it, and then apply the quote specifically to the focus of your paper. Stay on-topic and give the reader navigational cues.

Writing the Literature

Review:

The Literature Review should be:

• Clear

• Have a logical structure

• Show that you have required a sufficient range of material

• Illustrate evidence of your capabilities as a researcher