Literature Review

Thoroughly revised and updated, the fourth edition of this successful text offers a wealth of new research examples and references, accessible diagrams of essential concepts and processes, and extended coverage of core methods and recent developments. Striking a balance between specifictechniques and the underlying logic of scientific inquiry, Approaches to Social Research, Fourth Edition, provides a lucid treatment of the four major approaches to research--experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. While advocating a multiple-methods strategythat treats these approaches as complementary rather than mutually exclusive, the book contains a detailed account of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.Opening chapters draw students into the subject by illustrating the practicality of the study of research methods and outlining the scientific foundations of social research. The text then follows a typical research project, beginning with research design, measurement, and sampling. It proceedswith data collection and concludes with data processing and analysis. This fourth edition includes new and revised chapters that address the role of emerging technologies and the Internet in social research. Extensively updated research examples and a clear exposition make complex issues accessibleto students with no background in social research. Approaches to Social Research, Fourth Edition, is an ideal textbook for graduates and advanced undergraduates in the social sciences, and it also provides important guidance for researchers in sociology and related disciplines.

Providing readers with an accessible, in-depth look at how to synthesize research literature, Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper is perfect for students, researchers, marketers, planners, and policymakers who design and manage public and private agencies, conduct research studies, and prepare strategic plans and grant proposals.

Health Sciences Literature Review Made Easy: The Matrix Method provides students and practitioners with a concrete understanding of scientific literature by instilling the essential skills needed to evaluate article findings. A multi-part case study, along with visual examples, is woven throughout the text so the reader can relate to the information by seeing it applied to a real-life research scenario. The Second Edition contains increased information on Internet research. From introduction to application, this text thoroughly examines the Matrix Method of research. The fundamental principles of searching, organizing, reviewing, and synthesizing are covered at the most basic level. An easy-to-read, practical reference, Health Sciences Literature Review Made Easy, Second Edition serves as an invaluable aid to students, researchers, and practitioners. Book jacket.

Shows students how to synthesize literature using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. All major steps are profusely illustrated with examples. Your students will learn both the art and science of writing effective literature reviews. New to this edition: In order to place more emphasis on the process of writing, the material relevant to preparing the first draft has been expanded into five new chapters: Chapter 7 (Preparing a Topic Outline for the First Draft), Chapter 8 (Writing the First Draft: Basic Principles), Chapter 9 (Writing the First Draft: Optional Techniques), Chapter 10 (Writing the First Draft: Statistical Issues in Qualitative Reviews), and Chapter 11 (Building Tables to Summarize Literature). Also new: New examples have been incorporated throughout the book in order to keep it up-to-date.

* 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.