9. Literature Review

A thorough literature review is mandatory to understand what studies have already been done and to identify any glaring gaps. It demonstrates your grasp of theoretical and practical issues related to the area.

Planning a Literature Search

Before finding sources, a search strategy must be mapped out:

1. Determine the Scope: Define the research question appropriately. Is the search for background information to support a single paper, or an exhaustive dive for a full review article?
2. Decide the Period Covered: Decide whether you need everything ever written on the topic, or focus strictly on recent findings (e.g., the last 5-10 years). Model building often requires long historical periods.
3. Settle on the Range: Assess if the required information is of regional, national, or international importance.
4. Identify Key Concepts and Keywords: Basic units of search. Look for synonyms and variations in spelling to craft alternative phrases.

Locating and Processing the Literature

• Select Appropriate Tools: Use library catalogues, abstracts, online databases (PubMed, CAB Direct), and search engines.
• Trace Relevant Publications: Apply keywords. If too many results appear, narrow the terms. If too few, broaden the search using more general terms.
• Note Making vs. Note Taking: Note making is an active, focused activity where you summarize or comment on the source in your own words. It is far superior to verbatim note taking.
• Keep Detailed Bibliographic Records: Immediate documentation prevents plagiarism later. Essential details include: Author(s), Article Title, Journal Name / Book Publisher, Volume/Issue, Year of publication, Page numbers, and for online sources, the DOI and Date of Access.

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