ISAT Graduate Program: Literature Review Research

Research is a cyclical process. This is true for both laboratory research and research in the literature of your discipline.

The scientific method is often summarized by 5 or 6 sequential steps:

• Identification of a problem, including examination of the background knowledge that might help solve the problem
• Formulation of a hypothesis
• Design of a test or experiment of the hypothesis, which includes compatibility with existing knowledge and an empirical test 
• Observation of the experiment
• Interpretation of the emipircal test, including an evaluation of the hypothesis in light of the background knowledge and the new empirical evidence
• Design of new tests if results are inconclusive OR acceptance, modification or rejection of the hypothesis if the tests are conclusive

The literature review is part of the process. The literature review is cyclical, too, because each relevant published study was built on earlier studies. As a researcher cycles through the research process, the topics become more defined, and the researcher identifies the focus of the research project.

Here are some basic steps in preparing a research paper:

• Selection of a topic           
• Formulation of a thesis
• Preparation of an outline
• Finding information
• Evaluation of resources
• Taking notes
• Writing the text of the paper
• Documentation of sources

Students who have difficulty with finding relevant books or articles on a topic may need assistance with defining the topic and selecting appropriate search terms. Librarians are available to assist students through the Research Consultation Service.