At times, it can be difficult to find a sense of community in the AU digital sphere. However, there are a great deal of events occurring on a consistent basis. These range from style guide tips for assignments to research tips and tricks.
This Voice Magazine writer recently had a chance to attend a new AU research-focused series.
Developing Your Research Series: An Intro to Literature Reviews took place on February 6, 2023 from 12:30 to 1:30 MT. As this was part four of a five-part series, students who may have missed previous sessions can find recordings on AU’s YouTube channel.
A total of 56 students attended this session, which was co-sponsored by Faculty of Graduate Studies, the AU Library, and the AU Write Site—and hosted by Sarah-Jean Watt, the AU Write Site Coordinator and Joanna Nemeth, the Acting Manager, AU Library Information Services.
Literature Reviews: Defined
Joanna Nemeth began the session with a brief definition of literature reviews, which “provide an overview of relevant sources.” In particular, they provide a summary of literature and synthesis of the research problem.
Types of Literature Reviews
The session moved on to a discussion of the various types of literature reviews. These include historical, argumentative, integrative, theoretical, methodological, and systematic. They can be found within academic papers, theses, dissertations, and stand-alone papers.
How to Prepare for Literature Reviews
Joanna let the group know that the best way to prepare for a literature review is to first consider the question or problem—before conducting the literature search, which will then be analyzed and evaluated.
Structure of Literature Reviews
Sarah-Jean Watt continued the session with an explanation of the structure of literature reviews. Students were advised to speak to their tutor about this structure first. However, some basics include title page, abstract, introduction, background, methodology, review or results, discussion, and conclusion.
Methodology for Literature Reviews
Next, Joanna spoke about methodology tactics for literature reviews, including selection criteria, search description, data collection and analysis, and study quality and bias.
Question and Answer Period
The session ended with several student questions, although it must be mentioned that there were various pauses for questions throughout the hour, as well as interactive quizzes.
Future Events
The next event, part five of this series, Developing Your Research Series: Research Data Management takes place on February 14, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 MT.
