My subject is sport science. Literature based dissertation. BAI is bioelectrical impedance analysis. Don’t involve costs my supervisor just wants it to be about results and different sources. The order there fall under and to be backed up by the research out there.
o It is NOT just a summary of other people’s work.
o Convey to your readers what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic whilst analysing their strengths and weaknesses
o It is NOT just a descriptive list or set of summaries.
o You are showing your ability to scan the literature efficiently and apply principles of analysis to identify unbiased and valid studies.
o You are demonstrating your ability to synthesise information and think critically.
o In a literature review you are putting forward other people’s ideas, not developing your own
o Your aim is to be as objective as possible in presenting these ideas, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the research or theories
o You should aim to show a balanced view of the work completed in the area. This means talking about the different approaches and viewpoints surrounding the research undertaken
o It is important to use an academic style when writing literature reviews and to be objective and balanced in your language
o Your reader should feel confident that you have thoroughly researched the topic area and understand the arguments and themes contained in it.
o Try and use language that shows understanding, conveys conviction and inspires confidence
o Use assertive words but only when they are appropriate
o Avoid using superfluous words as these will only serve to confuse the reader
o Avoid using non-committal words e.g., “may”, “often
o Your literature review project should comprise of FIVE separate sections
o You need to use sub-headings to identify these sections!!
o Each section should follow on from the one before, No page breaks
1. Abstract (~250 words)
• Provides an overview of the aims, rationale, search strategies, main findings and a summary statement… Should appear directly under the title and author’s name
2. Introduction (1500 words)
o Who cares, so what, and why?
? Grab the reader; give them a reason to read your work
o In this section you are looking to ‘set the scene’ and establish the relevance of your review
? Provide a context
? Reference to facts or figures from the sports world are often good here
o Succinctly and clearly to identify and define the key issues surrounding the topic area
o Define key terms
3. Literature Search Strategy (500 words)
• You must tell the reader on what basis you selected your literature
• What databases did you use?
• What search criteria did you enter?
• What was your exclusion criteria?
• If participants were over the age of 21
• Did you select studies based on a certain methodology or a particular piece of equipment?
4. Literature Review (4500 words)
a. Your line of argument needs to be developed logically in paragraphs that contain one main idea each
i. Make sure your line of reasoning or the point that you are trying to raise is easy for the reader to follow
b. Include, and comment on, evidence which contradicts other sources
i. This is key and will improve your grade
ii. Why are the findings different?
c. Demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate the literature by commenting on its strengths and weaknesses
The research done in your topic area
The methods of research used in previous studies
d. Protocols adopted
e. Participants employed
f. Methods of data analysis
The key issues
g. Main findings
h. Implications of this work in combination with implications arising from other studies
How writers have developed work done previously
i. How does this current paper build on the last one I reviewed?
Critical analysis of previous research
5. Conclusion (1500-2000)
o Gives your writing a sense of completeness
? Make sure the reader is left with a take home message?
? What are the main conclusions emerging from your review?
o There is no one correct way to write a conclusion but you might think about the following:
o Synthesise – don’t summarise! Don’t repeat things said in the main body (the reader has already read this!) but show how your ideas, your examples and your references have combined to support your line of argument.
o Bring your review full circle by echoing the introduction. But talk about the topic now with the hindsight of having developed your ideas in the body of your review
o Identify lines of future research as a function of where literature is currently lacking