The task of researching and writing a literature review is complex. This text provides comprehensive, practical guidance on the process of researching a range of relevant literature on a subject, then planning and writing a literature review.

This Second Edition of Diana Ridley’s bestselling guide to the literature review outlines practical strategies for reading and note taking, and guides the reader on how to conduct a systematic search of the available literature, and uses cases and examples throughout to demonstrate best practice in writing and presenting the review. New to this edition are examples drawn from a wide range of disciplines, a new chapter on conducting a systematic review, increased coverage of issues of evaluating quality and conducting reviews using online sources and online literature and enhanced guidance in dealing with copyright and permissions issues.

This book provides you with all the tools you need to write an excellent academic article and get it published.

Guideline 12: If the Results of Previous Studies Are Inconsistent or Widely Varying, Cite Them Separately

Showing you how to take a structured and organized approach to a wide range of literature review types, this book helps you to choose which approach is right for your research. Packed with constructive tools, examples, case studies and hands-on exercises, the book covers the full range of literature review techniques. New to This Edition: Full re-organization takes you step-by-step through the process from beginning to end New chapter showing you how to choose the right method for your project Practical guidance on integrating qualitative and quantitative data New coverage of rapid reviews Comprehensive inclusion of literature review tools, including concept analysis, scoping and mapping With an emphasis on the practical skills, this guide is essential for any student or researcher needing to get from first steps to a successful literature review.

This new edition of the best-selling book offers graduate students in education and the social sciences a road map to developing and writing an effective literature review for a research project, thesis, or dissertation. Organized around a proven six-step model and incorporating technology into all of the steps, the book provides examples, strategies, and exercises that take students step by step through the entire process: Selecting a topic Searching the literature Developing arguments Surveying the literature Critiquing the literature Writing the literature review The second edition includes key vocabulary words, technology advice, and additional tips on when and how to write during the early stages--including the use of journals and memoranda--to make the literature review process a success.

"I found this book indispensable and consulted it pretty much on a daily basis throughout the whole process of planning and writing my dissertation. By following the book from beginning to end I was able to hand-in a piece of work that I was both proud of and confident would meet Masters standards." Lee Pimlott, Masters Student, University of Derby, UK Amazon reviews for the 1st edition: "The ONE book you need to guide you through writing your master's thesis. It ensures you 'tick all the boxes' necessary for a good result. I especially liked the 'common mistake by students' in each section." "The book provides structure, clarity, time management and advice on content for your dissertation. I am delighted to say I passed my Master's with a distinction and owe a lot to the guidance provided by this book." This popular book continues to demystify the dissertation writing process. Taking a step-by-step approach to the dissertation life cycle and highlighting examples of good and bad practice and the common mistakes that students often make, the book provides clear guidance on how to gain marks, as well as how to avoid losing them. From your initial research proposal to your final submission, you will find this book an indispensible guide. This new edition offers: Additional advice on mind-mapping, note taking and speed reading techniques, as well as time management and how to make the most of your supervisor More information on research methods A new chapter 'Systematic Reviews' Succeeding with Your Master's Dissertation is essential reading for all students tackling dissertations on Master's courses or on short postgraduate courses, the social sciences, business and humanities. The book is also key reading for supervisors and undergraduates considering postgraduate study.