Literature Reviews

Y

16

Criticism; Literature Reviews; Meta Analysis; Research Problems; Best Practices; Change Strategies; Educational Practices; Bibliometrics; Research Methodology; Methods Research; Research Design

0042-8639

The primary purpose of a literature review is to assist readers in understanding the whole body of available research on a topic, informing readers on the strengths and weaknesses of studies within that body. It is defined by its guiding concept or topical focus: an account of what was previously published on a specific topic. This prevents reliance on one research study that may not be in accordance with findings from other studies. For example, all practitioners who work with children with hearing loss have a professional obligation to be current in their knowledge base and, as such, to maintain a basic library of information. However, given the multitudinous cross-cultural journals, books, conferences, and electronic sources of information, keeping up with recent developments and research findings can be an impossible, if not daunting, process. Therefore, the value of good literature reviews can never be underestimated. This article discusses the three basic types of literature reviews (narrative, systematic, and meta-analytic reviews), highlights five problematic issues noted across some literature reviews, and describes the process of developing a good literature review. The article concludes that although some literature reviews can be more narrowly focused than others, all good literature reviews contain a clearly defined research question, rigorous criteria for identifying studies relevant to the question, a focused review of at least all published studies that meet clearly stated criteria, a clearly documented and well justified methods sections, an in-depth critical analysis and synthesis of the aggregate studies, and a final discussion section that includes conclusions and recommendations. (Contains 2 figures.)

ERIC

48

2012

EJ966483