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BIOL 696 Research Design and Ethics

Unlock your research superpowers! Level up your research skills and boost your success in class with expert tips, top-notch resources, and game-changing strategies.

Stages to Literature Review

Stages to Literature Review:

1. Topic Exploration and Refinement:

  • Define and clarify the research topic and its specific components or sub-issues.
  • Use the Topic tab for tips on staying updated, examining existing literature, and identifying gaps in the research for your area of study

2. Search Strategy Development:

  • Identify and compile a comprehensive list of keywords, synonyms, and relevant MeSH Terms to use in your literature search.
  • Utilize the Search Strategy tab for guidance on developing effective search terms.

3. Database Selection and Inclusion Criteria:

  • Determine which Databases are most appropriate for your research topic and objectives.
  • Define clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for the types of materials you'll include in your literature review.

4. Literature Search

  • Review titles and abstracts of search results to identify materials that are highly relevant to your research topic.
  • Utilize cited linking tools and cited reference searches to trace influential work to gether more relevant sources.
  • Make use of the Databases tab to understand how to effectively employ these tools.

5. Refining and Adjusting the Search:

  • After reviewing initial search results, evaluate the effectiveness of your search strategy and make necessary adjustments.
  • Consider adding or modifying keywords and search parameters based on the preliminary findings.

6. Material Collection and Organization:

  • Organize collected materials based on research methodology, study design, relevance, and other appropriate criteria.
  • Use Mendeley or Zotero to help you organize the literature online and map the literature according to the type of research methodology/study design by creating folders, and sub-folders.

7. Analysis and Interpretation

  • Discuss and analyze the findings and conclusions of the relevant literature you've gathered.
  • Address the evolution of research on your topic, highlighting the progression and changes in understanding over time.
  • Explore relationships within the literature, such as common methods, procedures, analysis techniques, and recurring themes.

8. Developing Your Own Ideas:

  • Synthesize your own insights and interpretations based on the findings of the reviewed literature.
  • Identify gaps, controversies, or areas where your thesis could contribute new perspectives or ideas.
  • Consider how your own research could build upon or challenge existing research in the field.
  • Ensure that each stage is well-documented, and maintain a structured approach to your literature review process.