How to Write RRL | Quantitative Research | IMRAD Part 3

Summary

This video tutorial focuses on crafting the review of related literature (RRL) for chapter one of a research paper. It emphasizes the RRL's placement after the scope and limitations and before discussing variables and their correlations. The presenter outlines the structure, including opening statements, variable indicators, and sources from the last five years. Special attention is given to formatting, such as italicizing indicators and using the author-year citation system. The video also touches on avoiding plagiarism by paraphrasing and the importance of connecting variables with relevant literature.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses how to write the Review of Related Literature (RRL) for the first chapter of a research paper, which comes after the scope and limitations.
• 🔑 The RRL should be structured into three parts: the variables, the correlations between measures, and the synthesis of the literature.
• 📝 The first paragraph of the RRL should be an opening statement that introduces the parts of the RRL.
• 📈 The second paragraph should detail the indicators of the first variable, and subsequent paragraphs should cover the indicators of the second variable.
• 🔑 It's important to use italics for the indicators and to use small letters for the first letters of each word, except for prepositions and connectors.
• 📘 Each indicator should be discussed with at least one to three paragraphs, and each paragraph should be indented and contain at least five lines.
• 📰 The literature review should include sources from the last five years, with at least one source being recent, and older references are acceptable for foundational literature.
• ✏️ The RRL must be written in the author-year referencing system, and all references should be cited within the text.
• 🔍 Transition words are crucial for connecting paragraphs and indicating the flow of ideas within the RRL.
• 📊 The 'correlation between measures' section should cite studies that show relationships between the two variables being researched.
• 📋 The final part of the RRL should be a synthesis that summarizes the literature and its implications for the research.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Review of Related Literature (RRL) in a research paper?

The purpose of the RRL is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research and literature related to the study's variables, establish a foundation for the research, and identify gaps that the current study aims to fill.

Where is the RRL typically located in a research paper?

The RRL is typically located in Chapter One under the Introduction section, following the scope and limitations of the study.

What are the three parts of the RRL mentioned in the script?

The three parts of the RRL are the variables, the indicators of the variables, and the correlations between measures.

How should the first paragraph of the RRL be structured?

The first paragraph of the RRL should start with an opening statement that introduces the parts of the RRL, such as defining the variables and their indicators.

What is the significance of using italics for certain terms in the RRL?

In the RRL, italics are used for terms that are defined or introduced for the first time, such as the indicators of variables, to emphasize and distinguish them from the rest of the text.

Why is it important to use transition words in the RRL?

Transition words are important in the RRL to connect paragraphs, indicate the flow of ideas, and guide the reader through the logical progression of the literature review.

What is the recommended citation format for sources in the RRL?

The recommended citation format for sources in the RRL is the Author-Year system, which includes the author's last name and the year of publication.

How recent should the references in the RRL be?

References in the RRL should preferably be within the last five years to ensure the literature is current and relevant to the study. However, older references can be included if they are seminal works in the field.

What is the role of the last paragraph in the RRL?

The last paragraph in the RRL should synthesize the information presented, summarizing the key findings and relationships between the variables discussed in the literature review.

Why is it crucial to avoid plagiarism in the RRL?

Plagiarism is crucial to avoid in the RRL because it involves presenting other authors' ideas as one's own, which is unethical and can lead to academic and legal consequences. Paraphrasing and proper citation are essential to maintain academic integrity.