Summary of Lawrence A. Machi & Brenda T. McEvoy's The Literature Review

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 A literature review is the first step of a project. It entails defining and clarifying the subject of the research, and it requires four tasks: identifying a subject for study, translating this personal interest or concern into a research query, connecting the research query to the appropriate academic discipline, and writing the preliminary topic statement. 1. Identifying a Subject for Study The first step of a literature review is to identify a subject for study. A subject is defined as a personal interest or concern that stimulates the need to seek answers or answers to questions. Conflicts, issues, concerns, or beliefs encountered in daily life are good subjects for inquiry. Emotions trigger curiosity that provides the motivation to act on a question. In any situation, we can ask why. Why did this happen. Why should we do this. Asking why helps us better understand the purpose behind an action or event. -> The first step of a literature review is to identify a subject for study.

#2 Define a subject for study, and connect that subject to an appropriate academic discipline.

#3 The first four exercises in this chapter will help you develop a literature review. They require you to write a topic and guiding questions, then answer each question in descending order. Do not be concerned with spelling, grammar, or composition. Allow no more than about 15 minutes for each session.

#4 A literature review is the first step in a research project. It entails defining and clarifying the subject of the research, and it requires four tasks: identifying a subject for study, connecting the research query to an appropriate academic discipline, writing the preliminary topic statement, and identifying a thesis.