1. What is the role of the literature review in the proposal? The literature review: (1) helps identify the known (literature identifies what is known), (2) gives various perspectives, (3) helps place own research in perspective, (4) helps delimit the problem and define key concepts (helps point out duplicate studies and studies that can be expanded), (5) suggests methodology (literature helps set the methodology because one can see how others have done it and what problems they had), (6) keeps from replication (duplication) out of ignorance, and (7) gives a context for interpreting results.

2. What are the steps to finding literature? The steps are: (1) start with a textbook for key concepts and references (do not use references unless they are examined), (2) use ERIC or Psychology Abstracts for references, (3) define scholarly literature (usually ERIC, Psychology Abstracts, and key textbooks are alright), and (4) use other articles for references.

3. What are the DOs and DON'Ts of note taking? The DOs are: (1) begin with the most current articles because they keep the researcher on the cutting edge and also provide references to older articles, (2) read abstracts and summaries first to get an overview of the article, (3) skim articles before taking notes, (4) take notes, writing down the complete APA reference along with the Library Call Number and Location, (5) clearly delineate the type of notes that you are taking, and (6) with computer searches, keep a record of which search parameters produced which results.

The DON'Ts are (1) do not rely on Abstracts for all information (they tend to be too positive and do not discuss problems with the study), (2) do not become too detailed (just mention the key things like how big the sample and what instruments are used), (3) do not rely on only one source or one researcher, (4) do not use only one card for many resources, and (5) do not fail to critique the article.

On information to gather, (1) what is the theoretical perspective, (2) report on procedures, (3) report on the article's findings, (4) report on strengths and weaknesses that are listed in the article and also of the article, and (5) get information from the discussion section and the recommended studies for the future.

On ideas from experience, (1) copy the first page of the article along with the APA information, (2) put pages in a notebook, and (3) create cover pages.

4. How should the literature review be organized? Concerning organization, (1) make sure the literature review is clear, (2) includes only relevant literature, (3) be extensive without being exhaustive, (4) discuss best, most pertinent studies (then list the also rans), (5) show awareness of your field, (6) organize by topic, (7) avoid series of Abstracts, (8) include both sides for and against your concept/theory, (9) conclude with summary, and (10) cite research (at least 20 scholarly sources and 10 research articles).

				Tom of Bethany

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