Page 81 - DMGT209_QUANTITATIVE_TECHNIQUES_II

Quantitative Techniques-II

Notes Association of Indian Universities periodical University News publishes the thesis of the month
in the last page of the periodical. It includes the research projects completed in that particular
month, and is an important source of literature review.
Research agencies conduct various studies which comprises abundant data that may be helpful
in searching the literature.

5.3 Reading the Literature

1. Record the problem at the top of a sheet of paper.
2. Record each sub-problem in full, serially, across the page.
3. Study each sub-problem, separating out the keywords.
4. Record the keywords or phrases in a column under the sub-problem.
5. Consult the index, bibliographies and abstracts to find books, articles etc., armed with the
“identified keywords” of your problem.
6. Read! Read! Read!

5.4 Guidelines for Information Presentation

1. Discuss fairly and clearly: The review of literature should be like a discussion with a
friend concerning the studies, research reports, and writings that bear directly on your
own efforts. Be very clear in your thinking.
2. Organize a plan: Begin the discussion from a broad perspective and narrow it down to the
specific problem of the research.
3. Do not copy information as it is: Emphasise over what the study interprets rather to what
content has been produced. So, the researcher should critically evaluate and present the
information in his own words.
4. Establish the relationship between literature and research project: This can be done by
charting each study in relation to the problem or sub- problem it addresses. Study carefully
before beginning to write. Literature discussed should have a link to the research problem.
5. Summarise: Summarise major contributions of significant studies and articles to the body
of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the introduction.

!

Caution Do not forget to evaluate the current “state of the art” for the body of knowledge
reviewed, pointing out major methodological flaws or gaps in research, inconsistencies in
theory and findings, and areas or issues pertinent to any future study.

Conclude by providing some insight into the relationship between the central topic of the
literature review and a larger area of study such as a discipline, a scientific endeavour, or
a profession.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
3. One should always ......................... major contributions of significant studies.
4. When ................... a search for related literature, practical research suggests travelling to
the library.

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