6301 wk 5 discussin
Candyy31
0631responsewk5.docxRESPONSE1
TuesdayMar 28 at 10:01pm
A literature review differs from traditional research papers because, in a literature review, the writer doesn’t present new information as one would in research papers. A literature review examines published information on a specific subject. Writers use literature reviews to help them justify their research and viewpoints (Yegidis et al., 2018).
A literature review intends to show an in-depth understanding of a specific topic or research area using the information already found. Literature reviews also give authors a chance to demonstrate if there is a need for more research (Philbrook, 2017).
Deciding on a research question without thoroughly reviewing the literature can negatively impact the quality of their work (Leith, 2023). Researchers must carefully review all existing information to ensure that they comprehend the topic and have enough information to use as justification. Yegidis et al. (2018) explain that when a researcher reports a lack of available information about a problem, it might indicate that they need to spend more time and effort on this crucial part of the research process. It could also indicate the researcher lacks understanding of the subject or purpose of the literature review.
References:
Leith, K. (2023, March 27). The research question and the literature review. Walden University Canvas .
Philbrook, J. (2017, March 13). Literature review essentials: Identify themes. Links to an external site. Walden University Writing Center. https://waldenwritingcenter.blogspot.com/2017/03/literature-review-essentials-identify.htmlLinks to an external site.
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.
RESPONSE2
Andrea Marie Arra Davison ( She/Her)
YesterdayMar 29 at 4:37am
How does a literature review differ from a traditional research paper?
A research paper “analyzes a perspective and argues a point” (Empire State University, n.d.). The author will search the literature for research and information (review the literature); however, the written product will be the author’s “interpretation or evaluation or argument” (n.d) and that is the end product.
A literature review differs from a traditional research paper because it is a tool and process, not simply a product (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 71). A literature review allows the researcher to identify what was already done by other researchers. Knowing what has been done makes it possible for the researcher to identify and contribute something new and meaningful to the body of knowledge in an area (p. 72).
The literature review also aids the researcher in selecting and narrowing down the focus of a research problem for further study (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 71). For example, a researcher could have a research problem, such as what intervention works for a particular population. The literature review can further refine what has been investigated and shows promise. Or the literature review could help clarify the population’s problems and needs to develop a novel intervention or use an intervention that has been used for something similar.
The literature review also helps the researcher determine how big the issue is and if it can be answered easily (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 71). Identifying “logistical obstacles” is essential when determining the feasibility of the research (p. 57-59). Yegidis et al. (2018) mentioned that there are often limited research resources (p. 55). Therefore, we need to ensure that we can utilize those resources in the most efficient means possible.
The review also helps the researcher plan the research process, methods, analysis, etc. (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 71-72). Researchers can obtain important information from previous research regarding what processes, methods, and analyses have been successful. Even when no specific research exists, research on similar topics or other study areas can help the researcher (p. 72).
The review also helps the researcher conceptualize and operationalize the variables in the research (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 73). For example, someone looking at social functioning could identify previous research that uses a standard and previously determined reliable (consistent results [p. 179]) and valid (measures what it is meant to measure [p. 179]) measure. This measure would provide an operational definition of what social functioning means in the particular study. While a research paper should contain operational definitions to clarify what it refers to, a literature review should narrow these definitions to a specific, measurable variable of interest for the research.
Finally, the literature review is a product written for the reader to know what was done previously, why the research was done, why it was done in the way it was done, and what the researcher concludes from the past research (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 72). In other words, the researcher writes a literature review to contextualize and frame the research for the reader to understand the current research in context.
What are the consequences of deciding on a research question without thoroughly reviewing the literature?
A literature review is essential to identify gaps in the knowledge and whether the research has already been done. Doing something that has already been done or adds nothing to the field would be a waste of resources (Yegidis et al., 2018, p. 56).
Likewise, not doing a literature review would lead to the researcher not fully understanding the issue and what has already been done. Lack of information means that the researcher will not have access to the critical methods and strategies used successfully to measure and undertake such research. For example, as mentioned above, previous research could help the researcher identify a reliable and valid outcome measure for their study.
References
Empire State University. (n.d.). What is a research paper? Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.sunyempire.edu/online-writing-support/resources/research/research-paper/Links to an external site.
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.
