Literature Review

The concept of a literature review is very much a plural rather than a singular one as there are many literatures a researcher must examine to produce a coherent literature review. For example, by doing qualitative research, the researcher is joining an ongoing debate in some shape or form. The originality of an idea, an approach, or a theoretical reinterpretation [Page 488]adds to existing literature. The objective of this entry is to describe the plurality of literature, to underline the difference between general and specific literatures, to highlight how to use theoretical literature as a tool to increase understanding of a subject area and test a research question or hypothesis, and to examine the methodology and data literatures that form important parts of the research process.

One of the most important considerations for the qualitative researcher is the pluarality inherent in the idea of a literature review: A number of reviews of different aspects of literature have to take place before a coherent research project can begin. In a subject like education, there are so many categories and therefore literatures that a review can look almost frightening. For example, in a review on the topic of education policy, one is seeking to examine the concept of education policy, looking for policy examples to apply to that concept and looking for relevant education research that uses a policy framework. Within this notion, one could be looking for a context or a history of an education policy document. One might also seek a wider understanding by looking at the philosophy or sociology underlying the policy document. One will need to decide whether to use traditional sources; that is, books and journals, or edited sources from the World Wide Web—for example, records of governmental committees and commissions. That really is the tip of the iceberg. Les Bell and Howard Stevenson begin their book on education policy with what they do not seek to explore surrounding the concept. The lesson for the researcher is to define literature boundaries; that is, to acknowledge the complexity of a concept and then underline what aspects of the concept a literature review can address.

An understanding of the general and specific literatures is crucial for all researchers considering the construction of a research proposal. Knowledge of where to find the relevant sources is therefore crucial. With both undergraduate and postgraduate students, a balance is necessary between the traditional print sources (i.e., books and journal articles) and up-to-date and free electronic resources available on the World Wide Web. The internet has changed the way people view knowledge and has made information more accessible to those who know where to find it. A good application of social theory here is Pierre Bourdieu's notion of cultural capital. So, one does not just need to know where to find literature sources; one needs the resources and technology to access the information. For the researcher, finding literature can be a frustrating experience, but it is the tutor or the supervisor's role to guide the student to the literature. It is up to the student to decide what is and what is not relevant literature to use within research designs.

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