Chapter 2: Literature Review
Purpose of Chapter 2
The literature review demonstrates your comprehensive understanding of the field and positions your research within the existing body of knowledge. It synthesizes relevant theories, empirical studies, and identifies gaps that your research will address.
Section Breakdown
Theoretical Framework
- • Identify and explain key theories
- • Discuss evolution of theoretical perspectives
- • Justify your chosen theoretical lens
- • Show how theories relate to your research
Empirical Studies
- • Review relevant quantitative studies
- • Analyze qualitative research findings
- • Compare methodologies and results
- • Identify patterns and contradictions
Synthesis and Gaps
- • Integrate findings across studies
- • Identify themes and patterns
- • Highlight research gaps
- • Justify your research focus
Conceptual Model
- • Develop your conceptual framework
- • Define key constructs and variables
- • Show relationships between concepts
- • Link to research questions
Organization Strategies
📚 Thematic Approach
Organize by major themes or concepts in your field
📅 Chronological Approach
Trace the historical development of ideas
🔬 Methodological Approach
Group studies by research methods used
Critical Analysis Tips
Strong Analysis
- ✓ Compare and contrast studies
- ✓ Evaluate methodological strengths
- ✓ Identify patterns across research
- ✓ Question assumptions
Weak Analysis
- ✗ Simply summarizing each study
- ✗ Listing studies without connection
- ✗ Accepting findings uncritically
- ✗ Ignoring contradictory evidence
Source Requirements
Most DBA programs require:
- • 75-150 sources minimum
- • 85% peer-reviewed journal articles
- • 75% published within last 5 years
- • Include seminal works regardless of age
Literature Matrix Template
| Author/Year | Purpose | Method | Key Findings | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith (2023) | Examine... | Qualitative | Found that... | Supports... |
Common Pitfalls
- 🚫 Literature Dump: Listing sources without synthesis or critical analysis
- 🚫 Missing Connections: Failing to show how studies relate to your research
- 🚫 Outdated Sources: Relying too heavily on old research
- 🚫 Narrow Scope: Missing important related fields or perspectives