Literature Search Question (LSQ)

Literature Search Question (LSQ)

As we have discussed, a good LSQ is an effective rhetorical tool for scholars to identify the scope of an investigation. Remember, when writing an LSQ:

1. Choose an appropriate topic or issue: one that is interesting and researchable.
2. Compile a list of every question related to the topic that you would like answered.
3. Choose a question that is not too broad, vague, or narrow.

Two examples of good questions are:

• What does the literature in psychology tell us about the relationship between anticipated stigma and medication adherence for Asian-Americans over 18 who are taking HIV medications?
• What does the literature in psychology tell us about the role of positive and negative reinforcement in toilet-training practices for children with autism ages 5–6 who are not yet toilet trained?

Instructions

• Review the Unit 1 discussion that prepared you for this step.
• Submit a copy of your literature search question.
• Upload an organizing document for the LSQ search, such as the Database Research Log (linked in Resources).
  • Note: As the search continues, the LSQ can change, but here you are writing about your starting point for your search.
• Refer to the scoring guide for detail about how your assignment will be graded.

Resources

• Literature Search Question (LSQ) Scoring Guide.
• Database Research Log [PDF].
• Library Help.