Case Scenario:
You are on the project proposal team for Yankee Candle Company. There is a group of scientists interested in researching the effects of smell on emotions for a new aromatherapy line. Prior to being able to write a proposal many points have to be established. You are asked to present a review of current and relevant research literature to the group on the effects of the sense of smell on emotions. For this literature review includes:
Writing the Literature Review
Steps to Writing:
- Typically, with a traditional literature review that is part of a larger research proposal, the researcher will identify a problem and then develop a research question. In this course, you are going to be applying the scientific method (in particular, the review of existing literature) to address a problem presented to you by a client/group as indicated in the case scenario you select. Rather than develop a methodology, you will present information/solutions to your client/group based on what you find in your review of research literature.
- The starting place for this project is to identify the primary problem statement and/or question the client/group in your chosen scenario wants addressed. This sets the foundation for a clear literature review.
- Once you have an area of focus, begin looking for and then evaluating sources.
» Identify keywords related to your scenario.
» Identify sub-questions related to the scenario to explore.
» What background information is relevant to your research topic?
- Evaluate the literature you have found
» Do you see any common themes?
» Note the results and conclusions of the studies. What is similar? What is different? What are the potential applications of the research?
» Do you see common questions emerging by the researchers? What do researchers still want to study and learn about related to your topic?
» Do you notice any conclusions or suggested results that may not need further study?
» Pay attention to your own questions that emerge as you read through the articles.
» Look for any 'red flags' in the articles you read. Sloppy research methodology, data collection or analysis, conflict of interest are a few examples of red flags. You need to be careful in your decision to use such articles as sources.
» Use the Literature Matrix chart as a tool to help you.
- Draft an Outline of your Literature Review
» You will need one or two pages for a 5-10 page Literature Review.
» This will be your road map for writing the rough draft.
» Work to identify thematic/topical headings to organize your content. Remember, you will not just present a summary of previous research, rather you will synthesize and integrate article findings together (i.e. articles that found similar findings, that build on each other, that found contradictory findings, by application, etc.).
» Generally, when you write from an outline, your rough draft will require fewer edits and revisions.
» The Outline Template at the end of this guide will help you in creating your outline.
- Write each section as outlined
» Be sure that all of the information you present and your assertions are supported by cited references.
» Go back and review for clarity and transitions between topics.
» Each citation must also be a listed reference.
» Any reference listed must be cited at least once.
Attachment:- Literature Review Outline.rar