Chapter 2:
This chapter situates the study in the context of previous research, presents a critical synthesis of empirical literature according to relevant themes or variables, justifies how the study addresses a gap or problem in the literature, and outlines the theoretical or conceptual framework of the study.
- Introduction: Describes the content, scope, and organization of the review as well as the strategy used in the literature search.
- Review of Literature:
- Clearly related to the problem statement, research questions and/or hypotheses.
- Reviews primary sources that are mostly recent empirical studies from scholarly journals.
- Logically organized by theme, subtopic, or variable from broad to narrow (funnel design).
- Synthesizes findings across studies; compares/contrasts different research outcomes, perspectives, or methods.
- Notes gaps, debates, or shortcomings in the literature and provides a rationale for the study.
- The review of literature should include what has already been written about the topic.
- The literature should support the theoretical argument and demonstrate the author has a grasp of the major ideas and findings that pertain to the topic.
- Include:
- Historical background
- Put things in perspective. What are the major issues, controversies that impact your study? Include background on all relevant variables.
- Theory relevant to research questions
- What theoretical models inform your research?
- Justify the theoretical foundation for the research.
- Describe how the theoretical foundation applies to the problem.
- Current empirical literature
- Literature relating to variables
- Literature relating to specific combination of variables
- This is not a listing of studies! You must synthesize. What common thread holds them together? Use transition to tie each section together.
- Incorporate the strengths and weaknesses of methodology in previous studies and how you will avoid/improve the methods in your study.
- Theoretical/Conceptual Framework: Outlines theory that is tested in study or conceptual framework that informs the study.
- Summary
