As you have read throughout this course, a scholarly literature review allows you to demonstrate to your dissertation committee not only that you understand the body of literature that surrounds your research focus, but that you are also aware of the divergent perspectives within this body and that your research focus is worthy of doctoral-level inquiry. In fact, you may highlight current researchers who have called for continued research into this area. This synthesis of the research findings is organized, grouped, and identified by common categories/themes relative to the presented topic of study. The matrix/table you began in Week 3 may help you to visualize this grouping and organizational process as you continue to source scholarly sources.
Once you move from the matrix/table to the exposition within the literature review itself, it is important to establish a scholarly tone and style that will allow you to present each source as well as synthesize collective discussions of sources. Remember, a literature review is not merely a report or annotation of each source; rather, it is a presentation of key findings, divergent viewpoints, new knowledge, or recommendations for future research from each source. Academic voice and tone, especially for literature review, has a very particular tenor and quality. Think of it in the stark contrast it has with more casual writing you may use for social media or in an email to a family member or friend (Thomson & Kamler, 2016). Essentially, literature review involves your best scholarly, objective, and analytical discussion of the themes identified for the literature sourced, and the collective findings and discoveries discussed within each respective theme.
Be sure to review this week’s resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.
References
Thomson, P., & Kamler, B. (2016). Detox your writing: Strategies for doctoral researchers. New York, NY: Routledge.