Download - Lit review superintendent cohort
Superintendent Program
Review of Literature Assignment
Washington State University
What is a literature review?
What is a literature review?
• It is an overview of a body of knowledge;
• An analysis of past research that provides a context for future studies;
• A critical review of past research that gives a sense of the strengths and weaknesses of existing studies;
• Connects researcher’s study to a broader body of knowledge.
Why do a literature review?
• Immerses researcher in the relevant literature related to a problem or issue;
• Helps researcher gain a level of knowledge and expertise;
• Provides a context for understanding how to approach future studies;
• Can provide a framework for future studies and help shape research questions.
What a literature review is not:
1) An annotated bibliography
2) Report
3) A laundry list of studies
Research Strategy
• Thesaurus search for relevant terms
• Journal article search
• Book search
• Dissertation and thesis search
• Conference paper search (ERIC)
Starting your review1) Establish one or two questions that will drive your
review. Questions can focus on:A) Substantive detailB) Design and methodC) Findings
2) Conduct an extensive search to find relevant studies;3) Start out with a sample of studies that will help frame
your review;4) Conduct a synthesis of studies found;5) Utilize a narrative approach.
Light, Singer, & Willett (1990)
Rubric
1) Clear organization.2) Clarifies what is know about the problem or
issue.3) Develops clear linkages between literature and
future research.4) Conveys a sense of current and ongoing
conversation among researchers.5) Reflects analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.6) Demonstrates knowledge of issue, problem, or
phenomenon.