KESALAHAN UMUM MAHASISWA S1 DALAM MENULIS LITERATUR REVIEW

Summary

In this video, Hendra Tri Ardianto addresses seven common mistakes students make while writing literature reviews for their research. These include using too few or too many sources, disorganized literature structure, overemphasis on definitions, reliance on unreliable sources, improper citation practices, and failure to review and revise the work for clarity. The speaker stresses the importance of a well-rounded, credible, and coherent review, encouraging students to be more thoughtful and meticulous in their writing. The video provides valuable insights for students to improve their research skills and avoid these common pitfalls.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid using too few sources in your literature review. Relying on only two or three sources is insufficient and may suggest a lack of awareness of existing research.
• 😀 Using too many sources can be problematic. Ensure the sources you include are relevant and contribute meaningfully to the discussion, rather than just to bulk up the reference list.
• 😀 Don’t arbitrarily order your literature. Always provide a clear reason for the order, such as chronological or thematic structure, to ensure your arguments are coherent.
• 😀 Focus on key definitions and debates rather than listing numerous definitions. Choose the most relevant definition and explore differing viewpoints in the field.
• 😀 Ensure that the sources you use are credible. Prefer journals and sources indexed in reputable databases like Scopus, and avoid using unreliable theses or dissertations.
• 😀 Always follow proper citation guidelines. Be careful to use correct methods for direct and indirect citations to avoid plagiarism and ensure academic integrity.
• 😀 Ensure that your literature review is clear and well-organized. It should provide a coherent overview of the research topic, making it easy for the reader to understand the main points.
• 😀 Avoid writing literature reviews that are unclear or disorganized. The review should make it easy for readers to grasp the topic and key research trends.
• 😀 Don't just summarize sources. Your literature review should synthesize the information and highlight key discussions and debates within the field.
• 😀 Always review your literature review to ensure it can be easily understood by others. After writing, read it again to check if the main arguments are clear and coherent.

Q & A

What is the first common mistake students make when writing a literature review?

The first common mistake is using too few references. Some students rely on only two or three sources, which is insufficient for a comprehensive review of the topic.

Why is relying on too few references a problem in literature reviews?

Relying on too few references suggests a lack of research or knowledge about the topic. A literature review should reflect the breadth of existing research and demonstrate the relevance of the topic in the broader academic context.

What is the second mistake that students often make in their literature reviews?

The second mistake is using too many references. Some students add numerous sources just to appear thorough, without ensuring that the sources are relevant or contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

How can students avoid the problem of using too many references?

Students should focus on using only relevant and impactful sources. The goal is to present a thorough but concise review of literature that contributes to understanding the topic rather than just increasing the number of references.

What is the issue with organizing literature chronologically without a clear reason?

When literature is organized chronologically without a clear rationale, it becomes difficult to understand the progression or relationship between different studies. The order should be logical, based on themes or significant developments in the field, not just a sequential listing.

How should literature be organized in a literature review?

Literature should be organized either thematically or by showing the chronological development of research with a clear rationale. If using a chronological order, it should reflect how the topic has evolved over time and demonstrate the significance of each period.

What is the fourth mistake students make when writing a literature review?

The fourth mistake is focusing too much on definitions. Students often rely heavily on quoting various definitions from different authors, which doesn't contribute to the deeper understanding of the topic.

Why is focusing too much on definitions considered a mistake?

Focusing solely on definitions is outdated and doesn't provide a meaningful analysis. Instead, students should highlight important debates, the evolution of concepts, or the relevance of different definitions to their own research topic.

What does the fifth mistake refer to regarding source credibility?

The fifth mistake is selecting literature without considering the credibility of the source. Students may choose sources based on convenience rather than evaluating their academic value or reliability.

How can students ensure the credibility of the sources they use?

Students should prioritize using peer-reviewed journal articles, reputable books, and credible research databases. Journals with higher rankings and established credibility are preferable, as are international journals or those indexed in databases like Scopus.

What is the sixth mistake that students make related to citation?

The sixth mistake is improper citation practices. This includes incorrectly using direct quotes or paraphrasing, which can lead to plagiarism if not done properly.

What is the difference between direct citation and paraphrasing?

Direct citation involves quoting an author's words exactly as they are, while paraphrasing means rewording the author's ideas in your own words. Both require proper attribution to avoid plagiarism, with direct quotes needing quotation marks and page numbers.

What is the seventh common mistake when writing a literature review?

The seventh mistake is failing to review the literature review to ensure clarity and coherence. Many students write their reviews without checking if they are easily understandable or logically structured.

Why is it important to review a literature review before finalizing it?

Reviewing the literature review ensures that the argument is clear, well-organized, and understandable. It allows the writer to verify that their summary of the topic is comprehensible and that it effectively communicates the key discussions within the field.

How can students improve their literature review based on the common mistakes discussed?

Students can improve their literature review by using a sufficient and relevant number of sources, organizing the review logically, focusing on significant debates rather than just definitions, ensuring the credibility of their sources, and adhering to proper citation practices. Additionally, they should review their work for clarity and coherence.