Research Sections and the Review of Related Literature
Research Sections and the Review of Related Literature
Prof. Cheryl Joy Fernandez
SECTION SECTIONS
2
Typical Sections of Research Report
• • • • • Title page Abstract Table of contents Introduction Literature review • • • • • • Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion References Appendix
3
Abstract
• 150-300 words • Summary of whole report • Typically outlines aims and predictions, how the data was gathered, main findings, and whether predictions were supported, relevant explanations/issues • Need enough information for someone to decide whether they should read further 4
Introduction
• Purpose – justify why you are choosing the topic, its merits, its aims • Scope – clearly mark boundaries of research • Background – theory and/or methodological approach outlining work, define terms, variables, hypothesis • Can cover literature review 5
Literature review
• Overview similar works and how your research will fill in the gaps • Presents a balanced view • May focus on theory/method studies • Do not put in every study – only those that relate to your work and are central to the area • Argues that not enough is known about the topic • Provides literature for you to compare your findings with at the end 6
Organising the literature
• Identify areas of agreement among authors • Identify areas of disagreement • Consider summary paragraphs to help move from once section to the next In summary, the evidence laid out demonstrates… This literature supports the continuation of …. Consequently, … However, alternative ideas and findings suggest… 7
Referring to Other’s Work
• A study by Smith (1998) showed that gender differences exist in conversation participation • Is this effective for understanding Smith’s work? • Must include details – participants, methods used, actual (significant results), etc. 8
Method
• Outlines how you gathered data (may mention rationale for method chosen) • PARTICIPANTS – Age, gender, nationality, how
Prof. Cheryl Joy Fernandez
SECTION SECTIONS
2
Typical Sections of Research Report
• • • • • Title page Abstract Table of contents Introduction Literature review • • • • • • Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion References Appendix
3
Abstract
• 150-300 words • Summary of whole report • Typically outlines aims and predictions, how the data was gathered, main findings, and whether predictions were supported, relevant explanations/issues • Need enough information for someone to decide whether they should read further 4
Introduction
• Purpose – justify why you are choosing the topic, its merits, its aims • Scope – clearly mark boundaries of research • Background – theory and/or methodological approach outlining work, define terms, variables, hypothesis • Can cover literature review 5
Literature review
• Overview similar works and how your research will fill in the gaps • Presents a balanced view • May focus on theory/method studies • Do not put in every study – only those that relate to your work and are central to the area • Argues that not enough is known about the topic • Provides literature for you to compare your findings with at the end 6
Organising the literature
• Identify areas of agreement among authors • Identify areas of disagreement • Consider summary paragraphs to help move from once section to the next In summary, the evidence laid out demonstrates… This literature supports the continuation of …. Consequently, … However, alternative ideas and findings suggest… 7
Referring to Other’s Work
• A study by Smith (1998) showed that gender differences exist in conversation participation • Is this effective for understanding Smith’s work? • Must include details – participants, methods used, actual (significant results), etc. 8
Method
• Outlines how you gathered data (may mention rationale for method chosen) • PARTICIPANTS – Age, gender, nationality, how