THA302 Additional Advice on the Literature Review Assignment

THA302 Additional Advice on the Literature Review

The objective of this assessment is for students to present a comprehensive literature review on their research proposal topic. The literature review should be examined through a critical lens rather than just a synthesis of existing literature.

Structure

Introduction

This should be one or two paragraphs in length. (150 words)

The introduction should include:

• Topic
• Statement of purpose
• Structure of the assignment.

Background

This should be 2-3 paragraphs in length (250 words)

This section can be written in first person.

• Background to the topic
• Why you are interested in it
• Why you think it is important to study this area.
• Limitations- which can include that this is a preliminary review of the literature.

Review of the literature

This is your review. It should be 8-12 paragraphs (700- 1200 words)

• Remember you are synthesising the literature, not merely reporting it

• The aim of this section is to have a clear and logical line of argument that leads you to identifying what has been researched before, and what is missing (the holes in the literature), which lead you to the research problem you will be investigating.
• See my examples earlier in this guide.

Preliminary research problem

• This research question should identify the major issues that you are seeking to investigate, and state the research problem in a simple paragraph (100 words)
• You do not have to have detailed research question or hypothesis, but you can include formative ones in you want. (100 words)

Conclusion

• One or two paragraphs (200 words) integrating what you have said in the previous sections.