Fall 4: Literature Review
The microbiome group will not be meeting as frequently this semester, creating gaps in my weekly reporting ability. One of my advisors suggested I supplement by doing a literature review as well. So, what is a literature review, why do we do them, and how?
In the attached video series it was described as this: Imagine going to a high school reunion and meeting up with a person you haven't seen in years. They might ask, "What have you been up to?" at which point you would provide the highlights of past years. "I moved to Arizona in 2010. A few years later I invented post-it notes, and became rich overnight. Three minutes later I got married. We have been traveling the world, and just flew in from Belize to be here with you all today." Note that, while this brings the listener up to speed, this does not move forward with an idea of the future.
A literature review uses multiple, credible sources, to explain the current status on a specific topic. It shows us how we got to where we are now. What it is not is a stand alone essay or research paper. It does not attempt to state or prove future research. It may, however, be used as a supplemental part in a research paper.
Steps:
1) Collect data from multiple, academic, credible (peer reviewed) sources on completed research of a narrow topic.
2) Analyze:
- Skim the gathered articles for headings, citations, abstracts, relationships, etc.
- Try to narrow down articles by relevance
- After sifting, begin to more closely read the chosen documents for pertinent information
3) Arrange: Patterns may evolve while analyzing. Organize relevant information in an outline by:
- Chronological: By decade, etc.
- Advancements: as the research builds upon technology
- Geographical: Ordered by locations of research. (What was researched in Africa vs Europe)
- Questions: What questions have been answered about this topic over the years?
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