Thread by @AdamGrachek

Honestly, WTF is a #LiteratureReview? 😓
If you feel this way you’re not alone. Here is my updated guide (w/resources).

Thread.
#PhD #phdlife #phdchat

Literature review defined
A portion of a research paper that compiles, describes, and analyzes different sources of information relevant to a given research topic, and then critically draws connections between each source and the research of the author writing the review.

The purpose
A literature review is meant to discuss current debates that exist, provide a summary of the relevant aspects, show how your research paper is placed chronologically, provide an introduction to the topic, and prevent you from reinventing the wheel.

Developing the Literature Review
The first step is to collect information and sources that are related to the topic you are researching, through tools such as university libraries or #GoogleScholar, and bibliographies of sources you are already using.

Utilize a Reading Grid
A reading grid is broken down individually for each source, including the research question, methodology, findings, limitations, and areas for future research. This allows you to easily see the most relevant information within each source. 📸:@OpenAcademics

Literature Review Introduction
This section should describe how your research topic is placed in the context of the existing literature in the field, and explain why the literature chosen was selected, along with the methodology and the order of the selected literature.

Body of the Literature Review
The body should have the following components for each source - description and a summary of the most important concepts and aspects; explanations of theories, equations, and terminology; and a discussion of connections to your research topic.

Conclusion of the Literature Review
The conclusion should include a summarized overview of the important concepts, flaws, and gaps; A description of how the literature is tied together; and a discussion of how the topic being written about also contributes to the overall field.

Synthesis
One concluding method is to first synthesize the works with a brief introduction, a comparison of contrasting points of view, and stating the research impact. Then finalize by pointing out the topic limitations, impact, and your research contribution. 📸:@OpenAcademics

Honestly, 280 characters makes covering this topic in detail really challenging! If you're interested in seeing this guide in greater detail, check out my post here:
blog.scrintal.com/how-to-write-a…

TL;DR - this post covers:
1. Literature review defined
2. The purpose of a literature review
3. How to develop a literature review - what tools to use
4. Reading Grid method - to aid in the development process

TL;DR (cont.):
5. Introduction of the literature review
6. Body of the literature review - how to structure the literature review
7. Conclusion of the literature review - how to include the literature review
8. Synthesis method - to aid in the conclusion

Wow! I didn't expect this thread to get this much attention!

Shameless plug: If you're interested in beta testing a web application that aids in the LR process, be sure to sign up on the Scrintal waitlist here: scrintal.com. You can get updates and early access!