Week 2

Welcome to Week 2

26 April 2021

Literature Review

What is a literature review?

•        A literature review is a survey of literature such as books, articles, write-ups, and other sources that help you address the important issues, theories, and concepts.
•      This allows you to study a topic you are researching easily and productively.
•        It analyses sources relevant to your research and aims to provide critical evaluation and summary of them.

Why is a literature review important?

Assessment of the current state of research and topic

When a researcher has determined an area to research on, searching for relevant information sources will help determine what people already know about the issue and how much research has already been done on this topic.

 

Identification of the experts on a particular topic

This can quickly reveal which researchers have written the most on a particular topic and are experts on the topic. These experts and their publications can be used as a resource for reference and consultations for others.

Identification of key questions about a topic that needs further research

In many situations, researchers may discover new angles and perspectives that need further rediscovering by reviewing what has already been written on a topic.

 

It helps steer clear of inadvertent plagiarism

it is important to steer away from plagiarism of any sort. An analysis of the literature relevant to your topic can ensure that you know what has already been saying, done, and published.

A literature review helps you not just to protect yourself against the charges of plagiarism, but also saves your time, effort, and resources.

“Extending the shelf life of tropical fruits” to “harnessing low-grade heat ” as we felt that it was the area we wish to look into more. 

What is a good literature review?

• For it to be a good literature review, the sources must be relevant and reliable.

• It must have a strong foundation of our research topic

• It should be narrow enough to eliminate the irrelevant information

• Wide enough to cover enough information required on the subject

• Striking a balance between sources supporting and opposing a particular aspect or argument.

By using the SDL Learning model and Meta-cognition Model of Thinking, the group found it easier to find relevant materials and was able to come to a balance between the sources that support the argument and those which oppose. 

After thinking through the area to look into, we have decided to change the area of scope from "extending the shelf life of tropical fruits" to "harnessing low-grade heat" as we felt that it was the area we wish to look into more. Reflection:

By doing this week's activity, which includes the literature review and the area of scope that the team has intended to look into. We are able to move on ahead with a deepened understanding of what we are intending to research and design. Looking forward to next week's activity.