Outline Your Literature Review's Structure | Scribbr 🎓

Summary

In this video, Jessica from Scribbr outlines the steps to structure an effective literature review, specifically focusing on the impact of social media on the body image of the younger generation. She introduces four common approaches: chronological, thematic, methodological, and theoretical. Each method emphasizes different aspects of literature analysis, encouraging viewers to identify patterns over time, explore key themes, compare various research methods, and discuss theoretical frameworks. This structured approach aims to enhance critical analysis and synthesis of literature, ultimately guiding researchers in their writing process.

Takeaways

• 📚 The literature review should be structured based on identified themes and gaps from previous research.
• 🗂️ Four common approaches to structuring a literature review include chronological, thematic, methodological, and theoretical.
• 📅 The chronological approach organizes sources from older to more recent, emphasizing analysis of historical patterns and developments.
• 🚫 Avoid simply listing sources in chronological order; instead, analyze how debates and developments have shaped the field.
• 🌟 The thematic approach focuses on organizing the review around key themes, such as the negative effects of social media.
• 💔 A thematic structure can include discussions on mental health issues and body image concerns among Gen Z.
• 🔍 The methodological approach compares different research methods and their results, highlighting variations in conclusions.
• 📊 Examples of methods to compare include surveys and experimental studies, analyzing how findings differ across these approaches.
• 📖 The theoretical approach involves discussing various theories and definitions related to key concepts, like 'body image.'
• 👩‍🏫 Understanding the theoretical framework helps in explaining the relationship between body image and self-perception.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on structuring a literature review, specifically in relation to the impact of social media on the younger generation's body image.

What are the four common approaches to structuring a literature review mentioned in the video?

The four approaches are chronological, thematic, method-based, and theory-based structures.

What is the chronological approach to structuring a literature review?

The chronological approach organizes sources from older to more recent publications and analyzes patterns and debates that have shaped the field over time.

How can a thematic structure be effectively utilized in a literature review?

A thematic structure organizes the review around key themes, such as discussing the negative effects of social media and narrowing it down to body image issues among Gen Z.

What does the method-based approach involve?

The method-based approach compares the results of different research methods used in the studies, such as surveys and experimental studies.

What is the focus of the theory-based approach in literature reviews?

The theory-based approach organizes the literature review around various theories, models, or definitions of key concepts, such as how different scholars define 'body image.'

Why is it important to analyze rather than just summarize sources?

Analyzing sources allows for a deeper understanding of the connections, patterns, and developments in the field, rather than merely listing information.

What might be a starting point for a chronological literature review on body image?

A starting point could be discussing an older study from 2008 that examines body image in relation to media before transitioning to how mass media has evolved with the rise of social media.

How can the different approaches help in understanding the topic better?

Each approach offers a unique lens through which to view the literature, allowing for comprehensive insights into the relationships between social media, body image, and mental health.

What does Jessica encourage viewers to do as they prepare to write?

Jessica encourages viewers to prepare their fingers for writing, indicating a transition from planning to the actual writing process of the literature review.