Turn Your Literature Review Into An Argument
Little Quick Fix
- Robert Thomas - Aston Business School, UK
Little Quick Fix
- What is the purpose of a literature review?
- How can I tell the difference between an argument and an academic argument?
- What do I need to create my argument?
- What do I need from an article to support my argument?
- How do I create a counterargument?
- How can I make sure I’m creating a strong argument and plausible counterargument?
- How can I win my argument?
Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module.
Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube.
Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer:
· Visual, design-led learning
· Clear, structured, useful pedagogy
· A hand-holding, step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far
· Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking
· A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor
The book breaks down the process of developing an argument from a literature review into easy, digestible steps. It emphasizes critical engagement with sources rather than mere description, encouraging readers to compare, contrast, and synthesise the literature. By offering practical tips on how to analyse gaps in the research, evaluate different viewpoints, and align them with one’s thesis, Thomas demystifies the process of creating a strong argument. One of the standout features of the book is its interactive approach. Thomas includes questions, prompts, and exercises that guide readers through the process of forming their own argument. This hands-on approach encourages active learning and application, making the book not just informative but also highly practical.
These are great little books that contain the right amount of information to get students thinking about their lit review. I love the style and layout. They are such an easy read but give so much information. I would highly recommend these to anyone.
A concise guide to lit reviews, highly accessible for the cohort
Very clever way of explaining the importance of theoretical background. Something that I really needed in my courses.
Will be very helpful for my students undertaking their research projects
difficult to access the electronic version
This is an excellent resource for BA Dissertation students who sometimes struggle with the aims and purpose of the literature review.
The easy, relaxed but creative format will, I feel, capture student attention and help develop their understanding of this key concept.
This book is great for students to begin to develop their literature reviews. It offers an 'easy to read ' guide on a topic that many students struggle with.
This really is a quick guide with some key ideas on developing a literature review to an argument. It is better suited to a narrative and possibly a scoping review but not necessarily to a systematic literature review. I can see undergraduate using this as initial guide to draft their literature reviews, therefore it is worth adopting for L6.
Quick, clear ,succinct,helpful advice for students undertaking a literature review.
