Four Easy Ways To Structure Your Literature Review In A Paper Or Thesis (Tell A Coherent Story)

Summary

In this video, Kovac offers four key methods for structuring a literature review: from General to Specific, Chronological, By Topic, and By Discipline. He explains how each method helps researchers organize their review to tell a coherent story, avoid being overly descriptive, and present a critical argument. Kovac also emphasizes the flexibility of combining these methods within different sections or paragraphs and provides practical templates and examples. Aimed at PhD students and researchers, the video highlights how to speed up the process and improve academic writing for publication.

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Q & A

What is the primary challenge when writing a literature review or systematic review?

The primary challenge is structuring the information from the papers you've read into a coherent, critical narrative that tells a clear story and develops a strong argument.

What are the four main ways to structure a literature review as outlined in the video?

The four main ways to structure a literature review are: General to Specific, Chronological, By Topic, and By Discipline/Sub-discipline.

How does the 'General to Specific' structure work in a literature review?

'General to Specific' begins with broad, general concepts and gradually narrows down to more specific ideas or arguments. For example, a literature review on online courses for PhD students might start by discussing research paper writing in general and then focus on specific aspects of online courses.

When should you use a chronological structure for your literature review?

A chronological structure is useful when you want to trace the development of a concept or theory over time. It involves organizing the literature from the oldest studies to the newest.

What is the advantage of structuring a literature review by topic?

Structuring by topic allows you to focus on distinct themes or subtopics within your research area. This approach is helpful when different aspects of your topic require detailed exploration.

How can structuring a literature review by discipline or sub-discipline be beneficial?

Structuring by discipline or sub-discipline is useful when your topic spans multiple academic fields, or when different fields have different perspectives on a concept. It helps you compare how a particular theory or term is understood across various disciplines.

Can you mix different structures within the same literature review?

Yes, it's possible and often effective to mix different structures. For example, one section of your literature review might be organized chronologically, while another could be structured by topic or discipline.

What is the purpose of using the 'Inverted Pyramid' model in literature reviews?

The 'Inverted Pyramid' model, which is a common General to Specific structure, starts with broad topics and then focuses on narrower, more specific arguments. It helps provide an overview before diving into detailed analysis.

What is a practical example of structuring a literature review by author or theory?

An example would be organizing your literature review by different authors who have contributed to the same theory. For instance, you might present various theories on a topic, each attributed to a different author or research group.

What is the importance of avoiding a descriptive approach in a literature review?

Avoiding a descriptive approach ensures that your literature review is more analytical and critical. Rather than merely summarizing studies, you should engage with the material, identify gaps, and develop a coherent argument.