Purpose
- Place each work in the context of its contribution to
understanding the research problem being studied.
- Describe the relationship of each work to the others under
consideration.
- Identify new ways to interpret prior research.
- Reveal any gaps that exist in the literature.
- Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous
studies.
- Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of
effort.
- Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional
research.
- Locate your own research within the context of existing
literature [very important].
Focusing on the below points can let know that it is eno
- Provenance -- what are the author's
credentials? Are the author's arguments supported by evidence [e.g.
primary historical material, case studies, narratives, statistics,
recent scientific findings]?
- Methodology -- were the techniques used to
identify, gather, and analyze the data appropriate to addressing
the research problem? Was the sample size appropriate? Were the
results effectively interpreted and reported?
- Objectivity -- is the author's perspective
even-handed or prejudicial? Is contrary data considered or is
certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author's
point?
- Persuasiveness -- which of the author's theses
are most convincing or least convincing?
- Value -- are the author's arguments and
conclusions convincing? Does the work ultimately contribute in any
significant way to an understanding of the subject?