Search for literature relating to the proposed research topic systematically (using academically recognised sources) as well as present a critique of the literature cited

Submission - The Literature Review

This assessment requires you to write a critical literature search and review based on the bodies of knowledge linked to the research question you identified in the research proposal submitted as the first assessment of the Research Methods module.

In completing this submission, you will address the following 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Search for literature relating to the proposed research topic systematically (using academically recognised sources) as well as present a critique of the literature cited.

2. Critically evaluate relevant content drawn from an extensive range of sources as well as review juxtaposition in the literature.

3. Synthesise the literature and produce a narrative collating the findings in support of a specific research question.

4. Demonstrate academic rigour through applying the Harvard refernce style accurately, citing sources within the review narrative and presenting a complete reference list.

How can I use the formative assignments to complete the summative assignment?

For those who submitted formative assignments 1, 2 and 3, you have done up to point 3 of the Summative Assignment Task (see below). Now, you need to retrieve your `Literature Review Outline` formative assessment from your e-Portfolio, address the constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement provided by your tutor, and follow the instruction provided below for points 4 and 5.  Remember to include relevant evidence of your formative work in this summative submission.  For example, you should include your search sentence and note the selected databases that you made use of.

Summative Assignment Task

Write a critical literature search and review based on the bodies of knowledge linked to the research question you identified in the research proposal submitted as the first assessment of the Research Methods module (6,000 words).

Task

1. Search for literature relating to your research question in a systematic manner (using academically recognised sources) - write a search sentence and run the search sentence in selected databases.

2. Critically evaluate relevant content drawn from an extensive range of contemporary sources as well as review juxtaposition in the literature - skim and scan titles, abstracts and full text to critically assess each piece of literature and ascertain whether the content is relevant to your study. Re-read the final selection in full.

3. Synthesise the literature and produce a narrative collating the findings in support of a specific research question that you will take forward to the dissertation module - write the outline of your literature review Links to an external site.by themesLinks to an external site.. As part of the outline, write a brief synthesis of each theme`s content.

4. Develop each theme`s content. As with any other assignment, your literature review should have an introduction, main body, and conclusion. The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review. You can reiterate your research question in the form of a review question (i.e. What contemporary research in the literature considers [your research question]?) and give a summary of the scholarly context (brief history/definitions/key theories). You can stress the relevance of the topic and highlight a potential gap in the literature. The body divided into subsections is where you will:

§  Summarise and synthesise: give an overview of each source`s main points and combine them into a coherent whole.

§  Analyse and interpret: don`t just paraphrase other researchers—add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of findings concerning the literature as a whole.

§  Critically evaluate: highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your sources.

§  Do not just describe the studies/theories: critically analyse, evaluate and reflect upon the contribution of each source to develop an original academic argument.

Finally, in conclusion, you should summarise the key findings you have taken from the literature, emphasise their significance and how your work will fit in the literature gap.  Here you should restate the research question that you will take forward to the dissertation module, particularly if it has evolved as a result of your review.

5. Please make sure you use the Harvard style accurately,Links to an external site. citing sources within the review narrative and presenting a complete reference list - RefWorks can be very useful for in-text citations and reference list (however note you will need to edit the exported list to conform with the Harvard style). The reference list will not be included in your final word count. 

To make sure that you meet all of the learning outcomes, you can use the Evidence of attaining the Literature Review module`s learning outcomes Download Literature Review module`s learning outcomesto guide your work.

Guidelines

Your submission should 6,000 words in length (+/- 10%).

Please make sure you use Harvard styleLinks to an external site.accurately, citing sources within the review narrative and presenting a complete reference list. The reference list will not be included in your final word count. 

The full assessment brief can be found here Download hereplease read this carefully.

Please use the Literature Review template Download Literature Review templateprovided.  This will ensure you include all of the relevant detail required for your submission,

Grading

This activity will be graded, and you will receive feedback on it. The generic Master`s level Marking Criteria Download generic Master`s level Marking Criteriaand Assessment Brief Download Assessment Briefare provided to help you understand how you will be graded.

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