7. Fill in the blanks in the text using the phrases from the box. a) critically discussing and referencing work
b) develop a thorough understanding of and insight into
c) research question(s) and objectives
d) primary literature
e) brainstorming and relevance trees
f) at a more general level
g) a logically argued way
h) following up references in articles you have already read
i) key words and search terms
A critical review of the literature is necessary to help you to 1) ____ previous research that relates to your research
question(s) and objectives. Your review will set your research in context by 2) ________ that has already been undertaken,
drawing out key points and presenting them in 3)_________, and highlighting those areas where you will provide fresh
insights. It will lead the reader into subsequent sections of your project report.
There is no one correct structure for a critical review, although it is helpful to think of it as a funnel in which you start
4) ___________ prior to narrowing down to your specific research question(s) and objectives.
Literature sources can be divided into three categories: primary, secondary and tertiary. In reality, these categories often
overlap. Your use of these resources will depend on your research question(s) and objectives. Some may use only tertiary
and secondary literature. For others, you may need to locate 5) __________ as well.
When planning your literature search you need:
− to have clearly defined 6) __________;
− to define the parameters of your search;
− to generate 7) ____________;
− to discuss your ideas as widely as possible.
Techniques to help you in this include 8) ____________.
Your literature search will be undertaken using a variety of approaches in tandem. These will include:
− searching using tertiary sources and the Internet;
9) ____________;
− scanning and browsing secondary literature in your library.
Once obtained, the literature must be evaluated for its relevance to your research question(s) and objectives. This must in-
clude a consideration of each item's currency. Each item must be read and noted. Bibliographic details, a brief description of the
content and appropriate supplementary information should also be recorded.