Research Methods Lecture – Danah Abdulla (08/10) – Literature review, research Question and Identifying Users

This week’s lecture focused on the Literature Review that we have to carry out for our CRP (Critical Research Paper).

Literature Review

To gain an overview of literature published about a particular topic, so that the designer can form an informed opinion on the subject.

There are other elements that make up a literature review that go beyond traditional methods. Below, is ‘grey literature’. It’s not part of traditional publishing channels and models.

Before you start your literature review, collect, read and identify titles for it relating to your topic. A literature review is something you constantly come back to and iterate as you work within your topic.

It is not a summary – it needs to evaluate and clarify the literature, and why you are using it in the context of your research/topic. It helps you determine the nature of your own research. It is an iterative process.

Always have things that are relevant, not just interesting. If you’re putting in pieces that are simply ‘interesting’, you will be seen as ‘showing off’. Always select works that are relevant to your topic.

Utilise the the wealth of knowledge of the librarians – check what you need to read and whether or not it’s relevant to what you need. Time is one of your biggest resources.

Don’t accept everything you read – you need to be critical and ask questions. Don’t just use things that you agree with.

Why are you undertaking this research? Why should someone else care about it? Convince someone else to ‘care’ about your research/topic.

Make sure you have a research system in place. Keep an active record of the texts that you have read. Keep note of page numbers, authors, etc.

Highlight questions/passages you don’t understand, ask questions.

Literature Matrix (below) – another way to structure your readings

HOMEWORK