Running Head: Literature Review Outline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literature Review Outline

                                               

Bria Knutson

 

Debbie Patras

 

University of North Dakota

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

            An important part of the research processes is writing a literature review. Even though this can be a daunting task a way to simplifying this is to begin with an outline.  In this paper we will describe what a literature review is and why it is important. We will also describe how to produce and use an outline of a literature review.  Finally, we will describe the differences and similarities between qualitative and quantitative research.

What is a literature review?

 

            A literature review is an essential part of the proposal writing process.  A literature review is a classification and evaluation of scholarly articles. These articles can include journals, books, newspapers, or dissertations.  A literature review allows you to start with a broad general topic and narrow it down to more specific idea.  It is not just a summary of an article it involves synthesizing information into your own ideas and thoughts.

Why should we do a literature review?

            There are many reasons for conducting a literature review. One reason is that it allows a reader to increase knowledge in specific areas.  Another reason it is important it helps you identify gaps and omission of relevant information within current research literature.  It also clarifies opposing viewpoints in which the reader may not have been aware of prior to the review.

When conducting a literature review a researcher can learn if an article is trustworthy.  A literature review can identify biases and overgeneralizations of research. Identifying these biases and overgeneralization can exemplify poorly constructed research compared to reliably constructed research.

            A literature review allows a researcher to avoid duplicating previous studies.  It also allows for a researcher to continue research where others have left off.  It provides direction and organization of issues and topics.

What is an outline?

            An outline provides a blueprint, skeleton, or a roadmap for the final written review.  An outline is an organizational process that is a logical description of the important components of the literature review. It provides a visual and conceptual design for writing.  Having a visual and conceptual design allows for the variation of writing and learning styles.

Why do an outline?

            An outline is helpful for the organization of thoughts and ideas. It provides a framework of main topics and issues within an article. An outline allows for simplification of relationships between articles and their respective variables.  It is a way to define variables and groups. It permits the grouping of articles into categories, which helps define boundaries and subdivisions.

            An outline breaks down the writing processes into smaller and manageable steps. It saves the researchers’ valuable time.  It also makes it easier to draw conclusions from the entire collection of articles.

Basic outlining skills

            When beginning to outline your information there is some basic information that is needed to begin the process. There are two different formats for outlines. You can choose between a topic outline or a sentence outline. A topic outline employs words or phrases and uses no punctuation. An advantage of using this style is that it is easier and faster to write.

            A sentence outline gives a more detailed overview of information. It uses complete sentences that have topic sentences and correct punctuation.  However, this can be more time consuming. But it allows for easier and faster writing for the final paper.

            When preparing an outline always remember to use brief descriptions and not long wordy paragraphs. Using roman numerals is an excellent way to organize and break down information. When creating heading and subheadings two parts must be included. For example, if there is a 1 there should always be a 2.

            The different headings and subheadings should be parallel in form (http://owl.english.purdue.edu). The subdivisions of each higher division should have the same relationship to the whole.  In short, constancy is crucial.

            When doing an outline one must avoid using slang, colloquialisms, and idioms. This is to keep the outline professional and avoid confusion.

What does an outline consist of?

            An outline begins with a descriptive title. This title describes the area of interest discussed in the articles. An abstract can be included, however, this is optional for each individual.

            Next, the outline consists of an introduction. The introduction includes general facts or topics regarding areas of concern.  It is a place where the writer’s point of view is established in that it explains the criteria to be used in analyzing and comparing the literature.  It states the overall sequence of the review.   The introduction identifies the purpose of study and historical context. It provides a rationale and conceptual framework. It points out overall trends about the topic.  It discloses conflicts in theory, methodology, evidence, or conclusions regarding previous research studies.  Included in the introduction is the list of questions the writer is addressing and the objectives.  The introduction can describe relevant trends and purpose of study.  It is also a place to discuss adequacy and relevance of literature. Depending on the individual it can be a place where it is noted why certain literature is or is not included in the review.

The introduction includes the description of the variables. Finally, the introduction lists the trends will be found in the body of the outline.

            The body of an outline consists of many different items. The body is where the literature is grouped according to common themes or factors. These can include qualitative vs. quantitative studies, different approaches, conclusions of authors, specific purposes or objectives, or chronology.  How you decided to group the body of the outline is depended upon each individual.

            The body also consists of identifying main sociological theories that address the topic.  This allows for critiquing the theories and description of research on using those theories.

            A well written body uses umbrella sentences. This is something that connects the subtopics with the main topic.  A sign post is also valuable throughout the body. This relates the issues back to the main focus of the review.  Also including “so what” statements, which explain the relevance of the material (http://www.wisc.edu/writing/handbook/reviewofliterature.html).

            One final thing to note when writing the body of an outline that the more detailed the body is on an article the greater the significance the article should have towards the final proposal.

            The discussion section of the outline allows for relating one’s own perceptions, theories, and ideas. It also allows for interpretation of the literature a personal perspective. This should be based on theoretical or scientific facts not on personal beliefs or biases.  

            The final section of the outline is the conclusion.  The conclusion comprises of an overview of what known and what needs to be explored.  It is an evaluation of the current body of knowledge regarding the topic of interest.  The conclusion can provide insight into the central topic and a larger area of study, such as a discipline, scientific endeavor, or a profession.  It offers resolutions to any disputes in the literature or supplies missing information.  It allows for the formulation of a solution to the relevant research issue.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative outlines?

            When completing a qualitative research study outline it is important to be aware of many factors.  One factor is to be aware of the researcher’s role in the study. For example, is the research an observer or a participant.

            Another important factor is the sampling procedure.  Whether the sample is purposive or random should be taken into consideration.  One must also look at the demographics of the sample. For example, are the authors trying to generalize the information when it may be impossible to do.

            However, when writing a quantitative outline an individual must also be aware of many factors.  The individual must know how the study was conducted, including information on sampling, instrumentation, and methods of data collection. Statistical analysis should also be examined.  One specific idea is whether the study is experimental or non-experimental.  An individual must look at if the findings are generalizable, reliable, and if terms are operationally defined.  

            In both quantitative and qualitative research ethical issues should be taken into consideration.  Knowing if all ethical steps had been taken is imperative to conducting quality research.  Some examples include having informed consents, listing risks and benefits, and keeping all information private and confidential.

Conclusion

            An outline can take various forms depending on the individual’s style and learning techniques.  There are some basic guidelines that one can follow when preparing an outline for a literature review.  Having a title, abstract, introduction, body, discussion, and conclusion is the basic form for an outline. Finally, knowing the similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research is also very helpful in completing a successful outline.

 

 

 

References

Academic Writing: Reviews of Literature.

            http://www.wisc.edu/writing/handbook/reviewofliterature.html February

            16th, 2003.

Developing an Outline. http://www.owl.english.purdue.edu.html

             February 16th, 2003.