Annotated Bibliography to Literature Review

Introduction to Writing Center Support

Overview of the Session

• Morgan introduces herself as a graduate assistant and writing tutor at the Writing Center, emphasizing her role in assisting fellow graduate students.

• The session aims to provide guidance on transforming an annotated bibliography into a literature review, acknowledging that this process can be challenging for some.

• Morgan encourages students to seek personalized help if the advice given does not resonate with their learning styles.

Visualizing the Literature Review Process

Funnel Approach

• Morgan describes using a funnel or upside-down triangle as a visual aid for structuring a literature review, moving from general information to specific details.

• The purpose of this structure is to guide readers from broad definitions of topics toward more detailed insights based on research findings.

Identifying Themes in Research

Analyzing Article Summaries

• Students are advised to examine their article summaries for recurring themes and main topics identified during their research.

• Morgan shares her own experience identifying themes such as sibling relationships and demographic factors relevant to her study.

Structuring the Literature Review

Creating Subsections

• After identifying themes, students should condense these into subsection topics or headings for their literature reviews.

• Morgan suggests outlining variables related to each theme and jotting down key points derived from articles under those variables.

Organizing Content Effectively

Visual Layout Techniques

• Students are encouraged to list articles under relevant subsections, helping visualize how different sources contribute to each topic area.

• This method aids in maintaining a logical flow from general concepts about sibling relationships down to specific influences like gender and age.

Concluding Insights on Literature Reviews

Final Thoughts on Structure

• Emphasizing the importance of starting with general information before narrowing down, Morgan reiterates that conclusions should stem logically from presented research findings.

• The ultimate goal is guiding readers through established knowledge towards new insights or proposals based on comprehensive analysis.

Synthesis in Research Writing

Understanding Synthesis

• Synthesis involves integrating information from multiple sources rather than merely summarizing them. It requires comparing and contrasting key insights from different articles to create a cohesive understanding of the topic.

Practical Application in Thesis Work

• The speaker shares their own thesis work, highlighting how they have organized variables and identified significant findings from an annotated bibliography. This process aids in drawing connections between various research outcomes.

Comparing Research Findings

• A critical aspect of synthesis is evaluating whether articles yield similar or differing results. The speaker emphasizes exploring reasons for discrepancies and discussing implications based on these findings.

Importance of Literature Review Conclusions

• The literature review should culminate in a clear conclusion that reflects the major findings related to the research question or hypothesis, particularly how these findings impact specific fields like rehabilitation counseling.

Example: Fibromyalgia's Impact

• Using fibromyalgia as an example, the speaker outlines how to define the condition, discuss its symptoms, and analyze its effects on individuals in professional settings. This analysis leads to conclusions relevant for mental health professionals.

Flexibility in Writing Process

• The speaker acknowledges that not all methods will suit every individual. They encourage seeking additional support through resources like writing centers for personalized assistance tailored to one's unique writing process.