Theory Review
Based on the problem, topic area and purpose, this section reviews relevant previous research literature in order to define a theory framework to use, which in turn underlies the research question which is the linch-pin of the research. Research without a theory is like a car without an engine - it won't go far. The literature review positions this research relative to the work of others. However it goes further, as it explores the agreements, contradictions and omissions of others, then chooses a theory framework for this research, which leads to the research question. This section corresponds to what computer developers call call "system analysis" and the military call "intelligence" - the analysis of the current situation. Obviously before doing anything (or going anywhere) you should first review what others have done so you don't reinvent the wheel. You can't contribute to research if you don't know what others have done. It may include any or all of the following
Scope: Is the research scope well defined and relevant?
Focus: Are the papers discussed relevant to the research topic?
Honest Review: Does the literature review describe current research in its own terms, as those who espouse it would?
Complete Review: Does the literature review cover important work in the field, both old and new?
Multi-disciplinary: Is relevant literature from other disciplines mentioned?
Literature Analysis: Is the literature analyzed by issues, not merely given as a sequential list of other research?
Precedence: Does the review recognize and build upon previous specific works?
Topic Construct(s): Is/are the research topic construct(s) clearly identified?
Causal Construct(s): Are causal constructs distinguished from what is being caused?
Theory Frame-Work: Is the theory frame-work that the research will use stated, ideally with a diagram?
Theory Contribution: Is there a contribution to current theoretical understanding?
Research Question: Is the research question a single question, of a real choice (falsifiable), that feasible data collection can test?
Research Type: Is the chosen research type appropriate and feasible?
Hypotheses: Are any hypotheses given argued individually, one at a time?
Download printable checklist: RRCheckWriting-2.pdf
