SOC 399 (Gender and Society) Research Guide

Recommended library resources and research tutorials for students in SOC 399.

What is it?

A literature review examines a large swath of information published on a given topic for a specific reason. Those reasons could be to:

  • show the progression of research;
  • attribute meaning;
  • reinterpret findings;
  • assert relevance.

At first glance a literature review may seem like a glorified summary; however, literature reviews are the avenues by which information on a given topic is synthesized. While effectively summarizing information, literature reviews examine research through a big picture lens.

Literature Review VS Research Paper

Is a literature different from a traditional research paper?

Most definitely! Academic research papers are intended to introduce new arguments. Literature reviews, on the other hand, summarize and synthesize existing arguments and ideas but don't offer new contributions to the field. Literature reviews tackle the questions: What do we know about a given topic? Are there any gaps in the known research or our understanding?

Using a Synthesis Matrix

As you read, you'll encounter various ideas, disagreements, methods, and perspectives which can be hard to organize in a meaningful way.

A synthesis matrix helps you record the main points of each source and document how sources relate to each other.

Writing a Literature Review

Have a question? Ask me!

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Kayla Davidson
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Contact:
Crabbe Library 204L
(859) 622-8744 kayla.davidson@eku.edu