Review of Literature

Definition
A review of literature is both a summary and explanation of the complete and current state of knowledge on a limited topic as found in academic books and journal articles.

Review of Literature
The review of literature plays a vital role in the research process.

It represents the gist of selected readings relevant to the research problem and the variables of concern. Integrates information drawn from books, periodicals and other published research. Consolidates interlocking concepts, bearing in mind the research objectives which touch on the variables to investigate.

Review of Literature:
Typically the review of literature points out only supportive proofs of the study. For broader perspective, contradicting information may be discussed with hopes of inviting readers to weigh the pros and cons.. In the midst of conflicting issues, the researcher has to take a stand in relation to the main thrust of the thesis proposal.

Purpose of Review of Literature

It gives readers easy access to research on a particular topic by selecting high quality articles or studies that are relevant, meaningful, important and valid and summarizing them into one complete report.. It provides an excellent starting point for researchers beginning to do research in a new way by forcing them to summarize, evaluate and compare original research in that specific area. It ensures that researchers do not duplicate work that has already been done.

Purpose of Review of Literature

It can provide clues as to where future research is heading or recommend areas on which to focus. It highlights key findings. It identifies inconsistencies, gaps and contradictions in the literature. It provides a constructive analysis of the methodologies and approaches of other researchers.

Importance
The review of literature generates ideas for the research framework, strengthens the rationale for the study, and determines the segment of knowledge which the new inquiry can enrich.

The following guidelines in its structural organization may be helpful:

1. Map out of logical arrangement of vital subtopics of the study including variables to be explored. 2. Organize information gathered from the library, giving complete publication notes on a loose sheet or card of every reference for sorting convenience. Accepted sequence: Author, (year), book, place of publication, publisher, and optional page(s). Author, (year), title of article, journal title, volume: page(s) and month.

The following guidelines in its structural organization may be helpful:

3. Write the literature review in expository form following a logical or ordinal sequence. 4. Put together the pieces of information according to relatedness of given subject matter of the study. Taking notes on separate cards facilities grouping of information and alphabetizing bibliography entries. 5. For every entry in the literature review, document each source by referencing. This is done by referring to the author and parenthesizing the publication year, right after the given reference such as Castili (2004)

The following guidelines in its structural organization may be helpful:

6. Present a documented information in varied ways other than a direct quote such as a summarizing statement, as contrast to given information, a reinforcement of key ideas or a capsulized information. 7. Vary the verbs that present each information such as indicate, reveal, report, point out, predict, recommend, suggest, mention, discover, project, reflect and so forth. 8. Use connectors, transition words or phrases, and other sentence binders to relate a series of ideas or to shift in thought. 9. The use of active verbs adds vigor to the exposition as opposed to the correct but laxed structure of isare, waswere and willshall auxiliaries.

The following guidelines in its structural organization may be helpful:

10.Give the review a fresh touch by using the present and active verb form as of revitalizing the reference. Even the thesis proposal can evade the future tense by writing in the now zone. However, one needs adeptness in shifting from singular to plural form signals. Several thesis writers lean on the traditional past and passive voice in abridging quoted information. But this can be easily transformed into the active voice.

Writing Literature Reviews: Key Point

You are entering a scholarly conversation already in progress. The literature review shows that youve been listening and that you have something valuable to say.
After assessing the literature in your field, you should be able to answer the following questions: Why should we study (further) this research topic/problem? What contributions will my study make to the existing literature?

Excerpt 1. Original
This wisdom is called indigenous knowledge which is comprehensively defined by Ulluswiska (1993) as: the local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. It is the basis for agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, environmental conversation and other activities. Much of such knowledge is passed down by oral tradition from generation to generation. Also derived from sciences, it presents people creativity, innovations, and skills. Fortunately, indigenous knowledge is not confined to tribal communities only but any community can possess such knowledge. A fishing community in Negros Occidental, Cadelina (1998) documented several traditional practices like the use of hook and line, spear fishing and harvesting of shells during new moon are among those that are related to resource conversation. However, he observes that fisherman are also engaged in indigenous destructive and modern extractive fishing methods even of the people are aware of the detrimental effects of these practices for economic reasons.

Revised
Ulluswiskewa (1993) calls this wisdom indigenous knowledge. Castro (1997) cites. Ulluswiskewas comprehensive definition of indigenous knowledge as local knowledge relecting creativity, innovations and skills passed down by oral tradition from generation to generation serves as basis for agriculture, health care, food preparation, education and environmental conservation. Not only tribal but also coastal and hillside communities possess indigenous knowledge. Cardelina (1998) has documented traditional practices in a fishing community of Negros Occidental related to resource conversation such as hook and line fishing, spear fishing and harvesting shells. However, he also observes