Module 5: Review of Literature
During this module you will be writing the background portion of your project, also known as the review of literature.
The function of the Review of the Literature is to provide background and rationale for your research. Background is provided by writing a review of the literature in the field of your inquiry research. The topic should be thoroughly researched including the independent variable, the dependent variable, prior experimentation, and any other aspects necessary to understand and/or conduct the experiment. For example, the background information for the techniques and procedures you will use may be included. The hypothesis(es) being tested should also be stated. The paper should successfully synthesize and evaluate the above information.
Outline Example (corresponding paper)
Past SIRs Papers - Good for format referencing and ideas
IJAS Rubric-Experiment (used at Regional and State Science Fair)
IJAS Rubric-Design (used at Regional and State Science Fair)
Review of the Literature components:
*Introduction:
Put your study in the context of the overall field you are investigating. Delineate the scope of the overall field of study and then of your particular project within the larger discipline. Be sure to include the "so what" factor as your "hook" for the reader.
*Background:
This is the main body of your review. In it you will provide the reader with necessary background information relating to your project. This section will educate the reader in your research going from general topics to specifics. It will describe the principles, theories, practices, and modern techniques, which much be mastered to understand your project.
*So what must be considered to include all necessary information to inform the reader about your project. Here are things to consider:
· the independent variable
· the dependent variable
· prior experimentation
· other topic specific concepts that relate to the investigation
*Closure: Summarize your findings and finish by stating a hypothesis based on your research findings.
As you proofread your review, ask yourself, "Does this provide the background knowledge necessary to understand my project?' and "Am I identifying the author and source of each piece of information I included?"
Important: each piece of information you use must be attributed to the source from which it was obtained. Use APA format for the parenthetical citations.
Consult the following websites for reference:
The Writing Center (http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html)
Literature Reviews (http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/literature-reviews/)
APA Overview (https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html)
Zotero - citation resource
KnightCite - citation resource
In preparing the paper, the author should be concerned with the following mechanics:
➢ The paper must be typed, doubled spaced and have at least one-inch margins.
➢ Use only one side of the page.
➢ The font style and size (for example 10 or 12 pt Times New Roman) must be appropriate for a scientific paper.
➢ The paper must be neat and legible.
➢ Type the last name of the student at the top of each page (use the header function to do this).
➢ Pages should be numbered (use the footer function to do this).
DESIRED QUALITIES OF SCIENTIFIC WRITING
The following points should help you to write your paper in an acceptable scientific style:
➢ When writing the first draft, do not start until you have clearly thought out your paper; the desired final result should be a clear and understandable paper.
➢ The tone of the paper should be established as one of objectivity.
➢ Learn to use the technical words that save space or that convey meaning better than common words; by all means avoid the use of vague terms.
➢ Sentences should be short and simple.
➢It is now the accepted practice that scientific writing may be either active or passive voice. Many scientific journals now prefer the active voice because writing in the active voice uses words more efficiently and is easier to read. What is important, however, is that whatever voice you choose to use in your scientific writing, you stay consistent with that voice throughout the entire paper.
➢ After you have written your first draft, reread, revise, and rewrite it. Put yourself in someone else's mental shoes and read it slowly and thoughtfully. Have you omitted any steps? Are the steps in the proper order? Do your sentences say what you want them to say? If possible, have someone else read it; if not, put it away for a few days, and then reread it. Check and recheck your references, spelling, and grammar.
UNDESIRED QUALITIES OF SCIENTIFIC WRITING
Many of the faults in scientific papers can be traced to editing failures - objective reading of the many drafts of your paper will reveal fallacies and other faults that can and should be eliminated from your final draft. Errors to avoid may include:
➢ An illogical or unrelated grouping of facts.
➢ An unjustified switch in point of view as indicated by a change of subject or voice.
➢ The omission of vital facts or steps in procedures, interpretations, or conclusions.
➢ The needless repetition of facts.
➢ The imprecise use of words, the use of words in a manner peculiar only to the author or a small group, or the use of words only for the sake of the use of words.
➢ The inclusion of inaccurate or improper use of paraphrases or references.
➢ Inaccuracy in calculations, spelling, grammar, and quotations.
➢ The lack of objectivity.
➢ Omitting literature citations in the text of the Review of Literature.