Lecture Conducting and reading research in health and human performance (4/e): Chapter 3 - Ted A. Baumgartner, Larry D. Hensley

Chapter 3
Searching the Literature


Reading the Literature
You will need to understand what has already
been written about a topic before you can ask a
new question or develop a new way of
answering an old question


Knowledge of the Literature
“Knowledge of the literature in the field and
critical insight into the research in the student’s
major field of interest is considered evidence of
high scholarship.” (Bookwalter & Bookwalter, 1959)


Importance of Literature Review
Once the basic question has been identified, you
need to consult the literature to assist in fully
defining the problem
– Conceptual literature
– Related research

Serves as the basis for hypothesis development
Synthesis of material provides content for the
review of related literature and background
information

Purposes of the Review
Purposes of the review help the researcher to:
–
–
–
–

Gain an understanding of previous research work
Develop a theoretical understanding of the topic
Distill the question into a specific problem
Develop a research plan (methods)
Research approach and design
Procedures and instrumentation

– Identify a question


Suggestions for Reviewing the
Literature
Read textbooks and other secondary sources
Look at the most current literature first
Identify the key words
Check appropriate indexes
Read primary sources
Computer retrieval systems
– Sport DISCUS
– Medline

Search the Internet

Research Reading
Working bibliography
Taking notes
– Note cards
– Computerized system (e.g., EndNote)

Evaluating sources
– Review abstract of published article
– Scan article for potential value


Sources of Literature
Indexes
Reviews
Periodicals
– Professional journals
– Magazines

Computer retrieval systems
– Medline
– Sport DISCUS
– ERIC

Internet


Searching the Internet
Subject directories
– Yahoo

– LookSmart

Search engine
– Google
– Lycos
– Northern Light

Metasearch engine
– Copernic
– Metacrawler


Evaluating Web Information
What is the source of the information?
– Check the URL address

Who is the author?
Is the information current?
Are references provided?
Are links to other websites provided?