• Guides students in the preparation of literature reviews for term projects, theses, and dissertations.
• Most chapters are conveniently divided into easy-to-follow guidelines, sequential steps, or checklists. Numerous examples throughout the book show students what should and should not be done when writing reviews.
• Emphasizes critical analysis of reports of empirical research in academic journals―making it ideal as a supplement for research methods courses. This book makes it possible for students to work independently on a critical literature review as a term project.
• Nine model literature reviews at the end of the book provide the stimulus for homework assignments and classroom discussions.
• The activities at the end of each chapter keep students moving toward their goal of writing a polished, professional review of academic literature.
• Most examples include material from recently published research. Includes nine model literature reviews for discussion and evaluation.
Table of Contents
Chapters
1 Writing Reviews of Academic Literature: An Overview
2 Considerations in Writing Reviews for Specific Purposes
3 Selecting a Topic and Identifying Literature for Review
4 General Guidelines for Analyzing Literature
5 Analyzing Quantitative Research Literature
6 Analyzing Qualitative Research Literature
7 Building Tables to Summarize Literature
8 Synthesizing Literature Prior to Writing a Review
9 Guidelines for Writing a First Draft
10 Guidelines for Developing a Coherent Essay
11 Guidelines on Style, Mechanics, and Language Usage
12 Incorporating Feedback and Refining the First Draft
13 Preparing a Reference List
14 Comprehensive Self-Editing Checklist for Refining the Final Draft
Model Literature Reviews for Discussion and Evaluation
Review A: Cyberbullying Among College Students
Journal of School Violence
Review B: Waterpipe Smoking Among College Students in the United States
Journal of American College Health
Review C: The Effect of Student Discussion Frequency on Mathematics Achievement
The Journal of Experimental Education
Review D: Behaviors in Couples With a History of Infidelity
Journal of Family Psychology
Review E: The Prevalence of Stalking Among College Students
Journal of American College Health
Review F: School Social Workers’ Experiences With Youth Suicidal Behavior
Children & Schools
Review G: Demographic and Academic Trends in Drinking Patterns and Alcohol-Related Problems
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education
Review H: Overnight Stays and Children’s Relationships With Resident and Nonresident Parents After Divorce
Journal of Family Issues
Review I: Language Brokering: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Professor Reviews
“Students have found Writing "Literature reviews one of the most helpful books.... Even students not in the course have gone to the bookstore looking for this book.”
― Kathleen N. Bondy, University of Central Arkansas
“Lucid, readable, and concise. Excellent detailed table of contents. Good full-length examples of literature reviews.”
― Paul K. Dezendorf, East Carolina University
“Excellent. A concise, ‘task analytic’ presentation of the complex steps necessary in writing literature reviews.”
― Tom Cooke, Sonoma State University
“Readable, concise, clear overview of the subject. My students rave about it. One said, ‘I will keep this book for my whole master’s [in nursing] program.'"
― Madge M. D
