Assignment 1: Analysis and Critique of Literature Review
Locate a dissertation related to your topic and research question in the University online library [or another library]. Review the literature review section (Chapter 2 of the dissertation).
************************** Dissertation topic – gender based pay equality ********************************
Write a 3–4 page critique of the literature review using these kinds of guiding ideas to think about the review: 1) How was the literature related to the research problem? 2) What was the theoretical or conceptual framework, and how was it used to frame the literature? 3) Was the literature synthesized clearly? 4) How was the chapter organized? What was the organizational scheme–that is, what themes or chronology was used? How was it made apparent?
In Doc Sharing, there are two documents titled “Review of the Literature” [M 4 & 6], which should be useful for analyzing this literature review, and “Suggestions for Reading and Writing Literature Reviews” also helpful in writing your own literature review draft in M6.
Begin your paper with an introductory paragraph where you state the name (date) of the dissertation researcher [not the title of the dissertation, which belongs in the References], your purpose for the analysis of this literature review critique and your organizational map for how you intend to structure this critique around the sub headings below. [Note the 5 topic areas/sub headings of the Body of your paper are similar to, but not the same as those for an article critique, since there are no methodology, data analysis, and implications sections in a lit review]:
Organize your literature review paper using the following five level 2 sub-headings:
1]Research question/problem
2]Theoretical/conceptual foundation
3]Relevance of literature to research question
4]Synthesis of literature
5]Discussion/Recommendations
You will likely need to look briefly at Chapter 1 of the dissertation to get a clear sense of the author’s purpose and research question, before focusing your efforts on Chapter 2. The remaining 4 parts should be found in Chapter 2. Be sure you also looks for the themes the writer has used. These should be discussed where they make the most sense in your analysis, possibly part 4.
Write from a scholarly perspective, using APA style for expression of ideas and attribution of sources. Remember: Watch for appropriate verb tenses-past tense when discussing completed research; avoid using passive verbs; check for subject-verb and subject pronoun agreement. Editing and proofreading are mandatory prior to your submission.
All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributing sources.
Please make sure you review the elements of the grading criteria and associated points carefully and make sure your assignment has addressed all the elements and in enough detail to merit full points.
| Assignment 1 Grading Criteria |
Maximum Points |
| Included the essential elements of an introductory paragraph by introducing the source in the proper APA format: your purpose for writing this critique; a brief statement about the nature of this study; and your map of the headings of the Body |
8 |
| Described in the first sub heading, the research problem and question, summarizing them and assessing how they were stated and defined. |
6 |
| In the second subheading, identified the theoretical or conceptual foundation and assessed how it was linked to the appropriate literature[s] and supported the research question |
4 |
| Determined the relevance of the selected literature to the research question and explained how the author presented this, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses. |
8 |
| Discussed how the author organized and synthesized the literature, explaining the use of the themes or another kind of organizing structure; also described the gaps the author identified in the existing research and how this study was designed to fill one or more of them |
8 |
| Evaluated in the author’s Discussion or Summary of the chapter how he or she summarized the answers to the research question in relation to the literature that was reviewed and what suggestions were recommended for future study. |
8 |
| At the end, included your own Conclusion where you returned to your purpose and your map, while also evaluating how this dissertation was useful to your own potential research | 6 |
| Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources, displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. |
8 |
| Total: |
56 |
NOTE:
A word of caution regarding procrastination is offered. Some students have faltered in identifying and locating 10 articles, not because 10 articles didn’t exist on their topic, but because students felt they needed to read deeply and absorb the entire first article to make certain it was exactly related to their topic, prior to seeking the second article.
It is advisable for you to search for and obtain more than the minimum of 10 articles. This way, you will have a built-in cushion of sufficient articles should you discover one or two articles might not fit the final draft of your research question when you are writing the first draft of the literature review.
