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.