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Turn Your Literature Review Into An Argument
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Turn Your Literature Review Into An Argument
Little Quick Fix



September 2019 | 144 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Frequently students confuse literature reviews with summaries of existing research, and they can easily get overwhelmed by the amount of material they have to consider and filter as part of their review. Likewise, they don’t often realize that a considered, planned, structured and balanced argument forms the bedrock of a successful research project. Outlining what a literature review is - and isn’t - and showcasing how to use the literature to your advantage to construct a strong academic argument, this Little Quick Fix answers important questions like

- What is the purpose of a literature review?

- How can I tell the difference between an argument and an academic argument?

- What do I need to create my argument?

- What do I need from an article to support my argument?

- How do I create a counterargument?

- How can I make sure I’m creating a strong argument and plausible counterargument?

- How can I win my argument?

Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module. 

Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube.

Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer:

·       Visual, design-led learning

·       Clear, structured, useful pedagogy

·       A hand-holding,  step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far

·       Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking

·       A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor

 
What is the purpose of literature review?
 
How can I tell the difference between an argument and an academic argument?
 
How do I begin to create to create my argument?
 
How do I progress my argument?
 
How do I convey my argument?
 
Why do I need a counter-argument?
 
How can I make sure I’m creating strong arguments?
 
How can I win my argument?

The book breaks down the process of developing an argument from a literature review into easy, digestible steps. It emphasizes critical engagement with sources rather than mere description, encouraging readers to compare, contrast, and synthesise the literature. By offering practical tips on how to analyse gaps in the research, evaluate different viewpoints, and align them with one’s thesis, Thomas demystifies the process of creating a strong argument. One of the standout features of the book is its interactive approach. Thomas includes questions, prompts, and exercises that guide readers through the process of forming their own argument. This hands-on approach encourages active learning and application, making the book not just informative but also highly practical.

Dr Israt Jahan
Baskerville House, University Academy 92
September 15, 2024

These are great little books that contain the right amount of information to get students thinking about their lit review. I love the style and layout. They are such an easy read but give so much information. I would highly recommend these to anyone.

Ms Cheryl Anthony
Cardiff School of Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University
November 23, 2022

A concise guide to lit reviews, highly accessible for the cohort

Miss Kathryn Reaney
Communication & Media, Sheffield Hallam University
October 19, 2022

Very clever way of explaining the importance of theoretical background. Something that I really needed in my courses.

Professor Marianna d'Ovidio
Department of Sociology & Social Rsrch, University of Milan - Bicocca
December 4, 2020

Will be very helpful for my students undertaking their research projects

Mrs Emma Harvey
Education, Suffolk New College
January 13, 2021

difficult to access the electronic version

Mrs Jackie Ford
Care & Health Directorate, North Warwickshire And Hinckley College
March 4, 2021

This is an excellent resource for BA Dissertation students who sometimes struggle with the aims and purpose of the literature review.
The easy, relaxed but creative format will, I feel, capture student attention and help develop their understanding of this key concept.

Ms sue mills
Lifelong Learning, Leeds University
February 19, 2020

This book is great for students to begin to develop their literature reviews. It offers an 'easy to read ' guide on a topic that many students struggle with.

Mrs Laura James
Faculty of Education & Communities (Carmarthen), University of Wales, Trinity St David
January 21, 2020

This really is a quick guide with some key ideas on developing a literature review to an argument. It is better suited to a narrative and possibly a scoping review but not necessarily to a systematic literature review. I can see undergraduate using this as initial guide to draft their literature reviews, therefore it is worth adopting for L6.

Mrs Eleonora Teszenyi
Faculty of Education, The Open University
January 7, 2021

Quick, clear ,succinct,helpful advice for students undertaking a literature review.

Marie Price
Childhood, Social Work & Social Care, Chichester University
February 10, 2020

Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas is currently a Lecturer (Marketing) at Aston Business School. Dr. Thomas’s primary research interests and publications encompass Brand Management, specifically the areas associated with sponsorship, fandom, co-creation, and brand community. His work has been published the European Journal of Marketing, Computers in Human Behavior, Journal of Marketing Management, Journal of Product and Brand Management, Young Consumers, Strategic Change: Briefings in Entrepreneurial Finance, and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. Dr. Thomas sits on the editorial boards for Journal of Product and Brand Management and International... More About Author