Turn Your Literature Review Into An Argument

Little Quick Fix

Robert Thomas author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Sage Publications Ltd

Published:7th Oct '19

Should be back in stock very soon

Turn Your Literature Review Into An Argument cover

Frequently students confuse literature reviews with summaries of existing research, and they can easily get overwhelmed by the amount of material they have to consider and filter as part of their review. Likewise, they don’t often realize that a considered, planned, structured and balanced argument forms the bedrock of a successful research project. Outlining what a literature review is - and isn’t - and showcasing how to use the literature to your advantage to construct a strong academic argument, this Little Quick Fix answers important questions like:

- 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

I am not sure what level this is appropriate for. Maybe this is an issue of national education systems, but here in Germany, this book is too basic for most undergraduates. Even though the points in it are valid and true, in their bullet point form they cannot tackle the more difficult issues our students query. -- Dr Clare Hindley * drupal *
This is an accessible guide for student researchers on writing a literature review. It is simply written, but artfully so, and is excellent in articulating the meaning and purpose of literature reviews and in advising authors on writing for impact using clear, thoughtful, well-evidenced arguments. -- Dr Eileen Hogan * drupal *
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. -- Dr Israt Jahan * drupal *
A small book which captures the essentials of writing a review with excellent clarity. -- Dr Jyrki Tuomainen * drupal *
Such a clever little book!

The author breaks down all the key messages and makes them accessible in a simple, yet effective way.

I am sure all students will find it extremely useful when working on their literature review, especially those at post-graduate and doctoral levels. -- Dr Leda Kamenopoulou * drupal *
This is perfect for my level 7 module which involves writing a critical literature review. -- Dr Liane Purnell * drupal *
this is a neat little book in many ways (I guess this mirrors the others in the series) and it did take me just an hour to read through
I think it will help our students with the issue of criticality in building their arguments and I shall use it to inform my teaching and can signpost toward the book appropriately
If I have a quibble (and it′s not about content) it′s about presentation - I saw some grammatical and typo type problems but that′s a fairly minor thing really. -- Dr Richard Parker * drupal *
Quick, clear ,succinct,helpful advice for students undertaking a literature review.
-- Marie Price * drupal *
A concise guide to lit reviews, highly accessible for the cohort -- Miss Kathryn Reaney * drupal *
It is user friendly and provides many ′aha′ moments for students who are struggling to understand what is expected of them. -- Mr David Burgess * drupal *
this short fix, is essential for students as it highlights the necessary points without the detailed account common in other literature books. Students found it easy to use. -- Mr Michael Donaldson * drupal *
Helps students develop their critical evaluation skills -- Mrs Carol Ellis * drupal *
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. -- Mrs Eleonora Teszenyi * drupal *
Will be very helpful for my students undertaking their research projects -- Mrs Emma Harvey * drupal *
great little go to book full of hits and tips -- Mrs erica clough * drupal *
difficult to access the electronic version -- Mrs Jackie Ford * drupal *
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. -- Mrs Laura James * drupal *
An excellent introduction to writing a convincing literature review for all levels of education courses. -- Mrs Michele Fuller * drupal *
A clear and quick guide to support students in turning their literature review in an argument. This book was easy to navigate and accessible to all levels of learners on the level 6 programme. -- Mrs MINE TANA * drupal *
An easy to pick up book for those new to literature reviewing.
Intend to use in Professional Studies Group for Secondary PGCE trainees completing their professional development research projects. -- Mrs Nicola Sowe * drupal *
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. -- Ms Cheryl Anthony * drupal *
Accessible and focused -- Ms Paula Hearsum * drupal *
ADOPTED AS PART OF DISSERTATION SKILLS MODULE -- Ms Stephanie Darke * drupal *
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. -- Ms sue mills * drupal *
In their literature review students often present one theme after the other and one theory or study after the other. Contradicting theories are seldom included. Robert Thomas really puts it in the nutshell: What are the essentials and the methods for a good literature review? How to find the right sources, how to formulate, how to argument. -- Professor Anja Tausch * drupal *
The book is easy to read and to understand. It contains the essentials of coding qualitative data. For that I like it. Maybe students would like to use it additionally to other sources for qualitative data analysis. It can be used to get a quick overview at the beginning. Maybe it could also be helpful to remember the essential facts for getting started after reading other sources. So it might be helpful for some students at different stages of their studies depending on the individual learning styles. -- Professor Anja Tausch * drupal *
Very clever way of explaining the importance of theoretical background. Something that I really needed in my courses. -- Professor Marianna d′Ovidio * drupal *
Nice little guide that focuses on specific issues and are explained in an appealing way for undergraduate students struggling with academic writing and research methods. -- Professor Pierre Rafih * drupal *

ISBN: 9781529701258

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 160g

144 pages