7 Review of Literature and Documentation

S. Amsamani

1.1. Introduction

The purpose of any research work is to help man kind to live a better life. These types of research in turn are based on review of literature. One can become aware of what is already there and what is needed only thought reading suitable documents, like journals , research papers, articles and book related to the type of research he is planning to work on. If one has to identify a suitable problem first he must read the about the origin of the problem, its causes, advantages, drawbacks and related facts. For example if one has keen on manufacturing a new set of bulbs which can operate on wireless mode, he has to understand the history of bulbs, the method of making them, advantage and disadvantages of each type of bulb, which is possible only through reading in a critical manner. Hence review of literature is very important. The review lays the foundation for any research and innovation. Review means “re view” or “over view” which indicates to look again. Review of literature means reading and noting relevant documents for the base of any research. When one has a clear review then his work can be carried out smoothly.

1.2 Objectives

At the end of the session the learner will be able to

Understand the significant role of review of literature in researches
Identify various types of review of literature and their uses
Learn the technique of writing review of literature.

1.3 Definition

Review of literature is a compilation of facts related to a particular topic. It is to a common man reading a text from a book, journal or magazine to know a specific fact or subject. But to an academician, scientist or research scholar it is reading a text from the above mentioned sources along with scholarly paper, articles, which will be a part of past and current information, related studies, supporting findings, theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic, relevant description, summary and critical evaluation about the facts or problem to be researched. It can also include information from dissertations, conference proceedings; book of paper, pamphlets, broachers, leaflets. In a nut shell review of literature is a well designed discursive prose which can be sub divided into topic with periodic summary and discussions. In the words of Dr. Wang review of literature is described as, “The review of literature is often divided into and well-designed connecting sentences.” Documentations is the writing of the review facts in a systematic manner which vary based on the end readable material like journal article, research thesis.

1.4 Review of Literature

Review of literature is grouping of data which already exists to gain knowledge hence rightly known as secondary data. It does not have any original data but collected from the base for any post graduate thesis, designation or project. It can be also described as collection of published data documented properly for future use relevant to particular topic. It can even include in sequence of definition, key terms, and terminology which are in par with the selected topic. It helps one to identify and become acquainted with academicians, scientist and other researches in the same field. Since most of the articles or research papers come with the name of the author his/her with address, e-mail id it easy to contact them and take apiece of advice or suggestion.

Generally review is carried out n a systematic way since it has to be recorded and analysis and examines for contrasting perspectives. It also acts as a guide for the future work and understand the weaknesses and strength of the selected topic.

1.5 What is the purpose of writing a review of literature?

Display values of research
Search for useful data and sources
Collect ways to conduct research –like identification of labs.
Give perspective, background, and depth to the research
Describes writing methodology.
Design a rationale or theoretical basis
Create awareness of the existing research.
Provide a rationale concepts,
Understand theoretical basis facts.
Quote references
Make constructive comments
Understand and conflicting points
Assess evaluated results.

1.6 Guide Line for Review of Literature Collection and Documentation

Step 1: Selection of Research Topic

The most important step in any research work is finalizing the research topic. Since it will be too early to note the minute details or problems of any research one can begin with, choosing a broad area of interest or where a problem exists to work as research. This broad area can be narrowed down based on the identification of real research problem through reviews and pilot studies and finally select the topic.

Step 2: Select the Style to Follow for Review Writing

Once you topic is selected it is necessary to find the correct format for writing it is to be noted. Review of literature as mentioned before is a secondary data, rater a collection of information which exist already therefore proper importance to source or the author whose work has to be mentioned in the write up. In a nut shell each fact or point in the review of literature has to citrated with an author. Citation is giving credit to the person or source from where the information is taken, which is done by mentioning the name of the author, date, source of the information which includes name of the journal, volume, year and month of publication, title of the paper or giving the digital object identifier in case of net references.

There are different methods of writing this information. The most common styles used based on the subjects are

Each of these styles mention has their own guidelines for documentation like font, margins, spacing, title page, abstract, body, text citations, and quotations. But still all the styles have the information the authors name, address, title, source, year, date and place of publication. Some styles even mention the type of paper to be used, the page number from where the facts are noted. If the facts are from the web sites then the ULR is also mentioned. On usage of information from web sites the URL where the source is located has to be mentioned.

Step 3: Categorize the review literature

After selection of topic and style to be followed, the real review of literature starts, where in one establish reviewing rather reading the articles. The researcher must become familiar with relevant database, search engines, libraries and institutions from where data can be collected. The broad area selected must be subdivided into small classes or groups into small headings which are related to the broad area. The sub headings may start with general information, past studies, problems faced, the merits and demerits.

Example –When one takes up a broad area of Natural dyeing, the subgroups created can be origin, history, growth, need, advantages and disadvantages of natural dyes, their sources, method of extraction, application techniques and properties.

This information can further be narrow down to a specific topic. The validity for collection and documentation of the review of literature is can be confirmed by assuring the inclusion of classic studies and theories, which in turn will provide the framework for the actual research.

Create a record box to pool all the review read under the subheading listed. Maintain a check list to check to be on track and know what matter is read and collected. This will enlarge your knowledge. You can also create a method of maintaining the references and footnotes. These days with electronic devices, e- libraries, and online journals, maintenance and recovery of the review collected has become very easy.

While reviewing check the following points for each reference, article or book.

Does the article/paper have a well defined problem?
Does the problem significance related to the specified subject and economy on the whole?
Is the scope clearly established?
Could the problem have been approached more effectively from another perspective?
What does the paper/article orientation (critical analysis or theoretical facts)?
What is the framework of the paper/ article?
Relationship between the research perspectives and established facts?
Evaluation of the literature relevant to the problem/issue?
Does the content talk about the pose and cons on the problem?
Are the basic components of the study design defined properly?
How accurate and valid are the results?
Accuracy of the data and language
What are the strengths and limitations or the article/paper?
Relation of the article/paper to the topic to work on

Step 4: Literature Exploration

Reading articles does not mean just noting the points or copying some result or experimental process. One has to understand the meaning and get an overview of the article. The material reviewed should be pooled under each subheading, which should be later analysis critically like noting important quotes, formulas, key terms, key statistics major trends, identify gaps in the literature, look for the relationships among studies, assess your reference for value and in-depth knowledge. The critical reading should be focused towards your topic.

By the end of this the researchers must be in a position to narrow down to his research topic and the methods and materials needed.

Example – The source of the natural dye, the method of extraction, application can be finalized.

Step 5: Selection of the Type of Review

There is different type of review of literatures. One has finalize the type of review actually needed. The y to be selected may vary base upon the type of publication like — whether it is a thesis or journal, the guide in case of dissertation, and the type of research. But in reality a combination of the types may also be followed. Some of the common types of reviews and their features are as follows

Step 6: Literature Sum up

After analysis the literature can be summed up in the form of a table of flow chart. This results in better understanding. This can include key terms, definitions, and procedures.

Step 7: Synthesize the literature

Using the points dotted down and making the tables helps one to outline the review that is to decide on what has to be noted under each subheadings. For each of the subheadings an introduction, purpose, key concepts, relevant theories, individual studies relate to and advance theory is noted and assembled. Go through the each point and rewrite giving impotence to your focus research. One should avoid general statements, long nonspecific details, replicated statements and facts. The arrangements can follow a specific pattern like importance based on the weight age of facts or based on the years. The individual has the freedom to choose his style of ordering the information unless and until his is requested to follow a pattern by the editor in case of a journal publication, a guide in case of a thesis or dissertation.

Example-

Broad – Natural Dyeing
Topic selected- Efficacy of Dyeing of silk with selected house hold waste.
Selection of raw materials
Fabric – Silk——-Origin, history, properties, manufacturing process, recent studies, statistics
Dye- House hold waste—– Definition, types, uses, properties,
Beetroot skin—-Description, properties, uses, colour content,
Used tea dust— Description, properties, uses, colour content,
Extraction method
Boiling and filtering—- Description, procedure, advantages,
Microwave—- Description, procedure, advantages,
Application Techniques
Dip and Dry method—- Description, procedure, advantages,
Padding Mandel—- Description, procedure, advantages,
Spraying dyeing —- Description, procedure, advantages,
Testing the efficacy of the Dyed Fabrics
Mechanical properties —Strength, weight, thickness, abrasion, drape,
Comfort properties — wetability, perspiration, moisture regain, absorbance
Colour fastness properties —Fastness to sunlight, washing, crocking, wet and dry pressing,
Statistical analysis – Mean, standard deviation, correlation, T test, f test

Step 8: Build up on a Logical review write up

Once the review of literature is ready, read every bit of and check the logical concept. See if there is cohesiveness between the statements, integration between the details and the flow of the compilation. Finish with a conclusion.

Tips for Review of Literature

Review should not be too long
Use subheadings
Use transitions if needed
Aim for a clear and cohesive

1.7 Points to remember while reviewing literature

Particular review that will help in describing the research problem.
What type of literature review needed for support of the research?(method,systermatic)
Scope of literature review
What types of publications is reviewed? (e.g., books journals, documents, media)?
What discipline is worked upon? (e.g., chemisrty, human development, medicine)?
Information seeking techniques followed
Was the search been wide enough to ensure all the required data?
Was the review focused upon exclude irrelevant material?
Is the quantity of literature reviewed sufficient for the paper to be prepared?
Was literature critically analysed?
Was the discussed of related studies par or not to the perspective of the research work?
Is the literature review relevant, appropriate, and useful for other researchers?
Will the review lay a road for future research.

1.8 Summary

To sum up a literature review must be organized around a focused point of interest and research work. It should synthesize results into a critical summary of known and unknown facts. Review of literature enlarging your knowledge about the topic and at the same time increases one information seeking method and ability to apply principles of analysis to identify unbiased and valid studies. In short when one has to review about a flower, he should not describe the plant but in turn create a new concept about the flower, which is a true collected about the flower based upon the of wholesome reading. To conclude if the review of a research is carried out in a proper systematic manner then the validity of the study is also ensured.

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Web links

https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html
www.ou.edu/deptcomm/dodjcc/groups/02b1/02b1litreview.htm
https://academiccoachingandwriting.org/…/i