Writing the Literature Review

1
Writing the Literature Review

• Writing in CSD

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What is a Lit Review?

• As the first step in the research process, the
  literature review provides an organized review of
  the main ideas, theories, and findings related to
  a topic.
• Unlike a research study or an essay, a lit review
  does not seek to prove anything or support the
  writers stand.

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Organize by characteristics

• Empirical research
• Case studies
• Survey results
• Informational sources
• Sub-topic

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Example of a review organized by sub-topic

• Major Topic Therapies used in treatment of
  stuttering
• Self-modeling
• Prolonged speech
• Habit reversal

5
Lit Review Introduction (1-2 para.)

• Provide background information on general topic
• Orient reader to overall significance of topic
• Indicate focus/significance of the present review
• Preview the types of information discussed in the
  body of the review

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Lit Review Body

• Provide details from each source
• (empirical research IMRaD)
• (other sources important ideas, theories,
  etc.)
• Synthesize the information point out
  differences and similarities in theories,
  methodologies, findings, etc.
• Use transitions and consistent verb tense.

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Lit Review Conclusion

• Summarize the most important results and ideas in
  the sources as a whole
• Identify major trends in the research and
  consensus among the authors
• Describe practical applications of the
  information
• Identify areas for future study

8
Using APA format

• In-text Citations

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General Rules

• Use the authors (or authors) surname(s) and the
  year the information was published
• Rogers (1994). . . .
• (Rogers, 1994).
• In 1994, Rogers. . . .
• One date per source per paragraph

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• One or two authors Cite name(s) every time you
  cite the source.
• Rogers (1994) or (Rogers, 1994)
• Rogers and Johnston (1994) or
• (Rogers Johnston, 1994)

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• Three, four, or five authors
• First citation in paper
• List all names
• Rogers, Johnston, and Smith (1997)
• (Rogers, Johnston, Smith, 1997)
• Second and subsequent citations
• Rogers et al. (1997)
• (Rogers et al., 1997)

12

• Six or more authors Use the et al. abbreviation
  for all citations
• Smith et al. (2001)
• (Smith et al., 2001)

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Group citations

• Alphabetize the sources by the first authors
  surname
• Separate sources with a semi-colon
• (Adams, 2002 Davis Caldwell, 1998
• Johnston, Smith, Alexander, 2000 Smith
  Johnston, 2003 Zeigler et al., 1996)

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References

• List all sources cited in the review.
• Alphabetize the sources and format records as in
  the bibliography