The dissertation literature review is more than just a summary of existing research; it’s the bedrock of your academic argument. It’s where you demonstrate your understanding of the existing body of knowledge, identify gaps in the research, and lay the foundation for your own contribution. A well-crafted literature review not only showcases your expertise but also compels readers to engage with your research question and its potential significance.
Here’s a roadmap to guide you through the process of creating a compelling dissertation literature review:
1. Define Your Scope and Focus:
The first step is to establish the boundaries of your literature review. This involves defining your research question and identifying the key concepts and variables you will be exploring. This clarity will guide your search for relevant literature and ensure that you don’t get lost in a sea of information.
For example, a nursing dissertation literature review focusing on the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing anxiety in hospitalized patients would need to clearly define the scope of “aromatherapy,” “anxiety,” and “hospitalized patients.” This focus will help in selecting relevant research studies on different types of aromatherapy, anxiety levels, and patient populations.
2. Conduct a Thorough Search:
The next step is to gather relevant literature. This involves utilizing a variety of databases, including but not limited to:
- Subject-specific databases: For example, PubMed and CINAHL are excellent resources for nursing dissertation literature reviews that focus on health-related topics.
- General databases: Databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and EBSCOhost can be used to search across a range of disciplines.
- Grey literature: This includes research reports, government documents, and other unpublished materials that may not be readily available through traditional databases.
3. Critically Evaluate Your Sources:
Once you have a pool of potential sources, you need to critically evaluate their quality and relevance to your research question. Consider the following criteria:
- Credibility: Is the source authored by experts in the field? Has it been peer-reviewed?
- Relevance: Does the source directly address your research question or contribute to your understanding of the key concepts?
- Methodology: Is the research design sound and the data analysis appropriate?
- Objectivity: Does the source present information in a balanced and unbiased way?
4. Organize and Structure Your Review:
A well-structured literature review makes the complex information easily digestible for the reader. Consider using different organizational strategies:
- Chronological: This method traces the evolution of research on the topic over time.
- Thematic: This approach organizes the review by grouping related themes or concepts.
- Methodological: This strategy classifies studies based on their research designs and methods.
5. Synthesize and Analyze the Literature:
It’s not enough to simply summarize what other researchers have found. Your dissertation literature review should demonstrate your ability to critically analyze the existing research and draw connections between different studies. Consider the following questions:
- What are the major findings of the reviewed literature?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research?
- What are the major gaps in the literature?
- What are the implications of the reviewed literature for your own research question?
6. Identify Gaps and Opportunities:
A key purpose of the literature review is to highlight areas where further research is needed. You can achieve this by:
- Identifying inconsistencies or contradictions in the findings: This can point to areas where further investigation is warranted.
- Highlighting limitations in existing studies: This can help you refine your research question and design a more comprehensive study.
- Suggesting new research questions: This demonstrates your critical thinking and your ability to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.
7. Craft a Compelling Narrative:
The literature review is not just a collection of summaries; it’s a narrative that builds towards a specific conclusion. Use clear and concise language, connect different studies logically, and use transitions effectively. A well-written literature review should read like a cohesive story, seamlessly guiding the reader from the current state of knowledge to your proposed research question.
8. Focus on Clarity and Flow:
The literature review should be easy to read and follow. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections.
9. Be Specific and Detailed:
Avoid vague or general statements. Provide concrete evidence to support your claims and use specific examples from the literature to illustrate your points.
10. Keep Your Audience in Mind:
Your dissertation literature review is primarily written for your dissertation committee. However, it’s important to keep a broader audience in mind, such as potential journal reviewers or future scholars in your field.
11. Proofread and Edit:
Before submitting your literature review, carefully proofread and edit your work. This will help ensure that it is free of errors and that the writing is clear and concise.
12. Seek Feedback:
Before finalizing your dissertation literature review, seek feedback from a trusted colleague or mentor. Their insights can help you identify areas for improvement.
Example of a Nursing Dissertation Literature Review:
“This nursing dissertation literature review focuses on the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing anxiety in hospitalized patients. While several studies have shown that aromatherapy can be beneficial in reducing anxiety in various settings, there is limited research on its effectiveness in a hospital setting. Specifically, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal type of essential oil, the appropriate dosage, and the optimal timing of administration. Furthermore, most studies have been conducted with small sample sizes and limited follow-up periods. This nursing dissertation literature review aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing anxiety in hospitalized patients undergoing surgery. The study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design with a large sample size and a longer follow-up period. This research is expected to provide valuable insights into the potential of aromatherapy as an adjunctive therapy for reducing anxiety in hospitalized patients, potentially informing best practices in nursing care.”
Final Thoughts
Crafting a compelling dissertation literature review is an essential step in the research journey. Following these tips will ensure that your review is comprehensive, insightful, and contributes meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge. The literature review is not just about summarizing existing research; it’s about showcasing your understanding of the field, identifying gaps, and laying the groundwork for your own unique contribution.
The nursing dissertation literature review is a vital component of your research. By focusing on clarity, depth, and critical analysis, you can create a review that not only satisfies your dissertation committee but also contributes to the advancement of your field.