Literature Reviews

What Do You Want to Work On?

Identify your research focus and scope

That is to say, “what exactly is of interest and why” (Cronin, Ryan, & Coughlan, 2008, p. 38)

• Is there enough material on the topic?
• Is it interdisciplinary?

Keep in mind: Your research focus may evolve as you start looking for material.

Questions to ask and ways to answer them

• What’s been written before? 

  • Do a Literature Scan to assess the current state of the field.

  • Attend conferences to learn from others.

• What can you do differently?

  • Brainstorm by yourself or with peers

  • Develop a Concept Map and let the ideas flow!

Literature Scan

Concept Mapping

Also

References