Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques

Many of the standard social science methodology texts do not cover the literature review as a method in itself, yet it is a compulsory part of doing research. Although it is fairly straightforward to teach social science research methodology, the process of research and techniques for quantitative and qualitative design, the part of research most students find difficult is writing a critical review of existing knowledge - the literature review. "Doing Your Literature Review: Traditional and Systematic Techniques is an accessible and practical introduction for students on how to conduct both 'traditional' and systematic literature reviews and incorporate them into their research. This book is ideal for any health, business or social science student looking to embark upon their own project

INTRODUCTION Who is this book for? How is this book different? The rationale and history behind the contributions from a researcher and from an information specialist Features of the book Layout of the book PART ONE Getting Information PRELIMINARIES What is a literature review? Terminology used in this book Different styles of review Two styles or approaches A critical approach Knowledge and literature Why and when will you need to review the literature? The research question and the literature review What is appropriate literature? Choosing which style of review: a traditional narrative review or a systematic review Project management SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION Introduction Develop online searches by identifying key words and creating a search record The range of information sources available for complex searches. What do you need from a resource to make it appropriate for locating journal articles for your review? READING SKILLS Introduction Be analytical in your reading Where to start Reading techniques -- scan, skim and understand Reading different types of material Grey literature: non academic sources and policy reports Recording and note making FROM NOTE MAKING TO WRITING In…