Nursing Research Q41
What are the characteristics of the literature review required for a quantitative research study? Select all that apply.
A. The review is exhaustive and must include all studies conducted in the area.
B. Doctoral dissertations and masters' theses are excellent sources of information.
C. Computer-accessed materials are acceptable.
D. Primary sources are not as important as secondary sources.
E. Objective self-review of findings.
Correct Answers: B, C
Literature reviews provide important background information and details about a specific research topic. An effective literature review also provides a space to elaborate on future work to be done on a topic and allows an author to define where their work fits into a larger context.
Option A: An effective literature review details important research trends and also examines strengths and weaknesses of both specific studies and larger research contexts.
Option B: It is challenging to achieve a successful review on all these fronts. A solution can involve a set of complementary coauthors: some people are excellent at mapping what has been achieved, some others are very good at identifying dark clouds on the horizon, and some have instead a knack at predicting where solutions are going to come from.
Option C: Given the progressive acceleration in the publication of scientific papers, today’s reviews of the literature need awareness not just of the overall direction and achievements of a field of inquiry, but also of the latest studies, so as not to become out-of-date before they have been published.
Option D: Most research uses both primary and secondary sources. They complement each other to help the researcher build a convincing argument. Primary sources are more credible as evidence, but secondary sources show how the work relates to existing research.
Option E: In general, a review of the literature should neither be a public relations brochure nor an exercise in competitive self-denial. If a reviewer is up to the job of producing a well-organized and methodical review, which flows well and provides a service to the readership, then it should be possible to be objective in reviewing one’s own relevant findings.