Literature reviews

Quiz Type

Practice

Subject

Research Methods

Level

Level 500

Questions

10 questions

Created By

Peter Brown

Quick Rules

Time limit: 50 minutes
Multiple attempts are not allowed
All questions must be answered to submit

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Question 1 of 10

Question 1

Complex multiple choice Understanding

A researcher is preparing to write a literature review on climate change impacts on agriculture. Which of the following aspects should they prioritize to ensure a comprehensive review?

Focusing exclusively on recent studies from the last two years to capture the latest data

Incorporating a variety of sources, including historical data and theoretical frameworks, to provide context

Correct

Limiting the review to only primary research articles to maintain relevancy

Emphasizing personal opinions and anecdotal evidence to create a narrative

Explanation

The correct approach is to incorporate a variety of sources, including historical data and theoretical frameworks, as this provides a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Focusing exclusively on recent studies could overlook important foundational research; limiting to primary sources might miss relevant reviews; and emphasizing personal opinions undermines academic rigor.

Question 2

Complex multiple choice Applying

During a literature review analysis, a graduate student realizes that their selected topic has only a few relevant articles published recently. What is the best course of action for the student?

Shrink the focus of the topic to something more specific so more articles can be found

Expand the search parameters to include related fields, methodologies, or historical studies

Correct

Disregard older publications as they are outdated and irrelevant

Only include the few relevant articles found and describe them in detail

Explanation

The best course of action is to expand the search parameters to include related fields, methodologies, or historical studies, as this can uncover more relevant literature and provide a broader perspective. Shrinking the topic could lead to a lack of depth, disregarding older publications ignores valuable insights, and relying solely on a few articles diminishes the review's comprehensiveness.

Question 3

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What is the primary purpose of a literature review?

To summarize existing research on a topic

Correct

To present original research findings

To promote a specific hypothesis

To write a fictional story

Explanation

A literature review summarizes and synthesizes existing research studies on a particular topic to provide an overview of current knowledge.

Question 4

Basic multiple choice Understanding

Which of the following best describes a key component of a literature review?

A critical analysis of existing studies

Correct

A detailed experiment design

A list of random articles

A summary of personal opinions

Explanation

A literature review involves a critical analysis of existing studies, rather than simply listing articles or offering personal opinions.

Question 5

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What kind of sources should be included in a thorough literature review?

Academic journals and books

Correct

Only the author's own previous work

Social media posts and blogs

Any document, regardless of credibility

Explanation

A thorough literature review should include credible academic sources like journals and books to ensure the quality and reliability of the information.

Question 6

Basic multiple choice Remembering

In which section of a research paper is a literature review typically found?

In the introduction

Correct

In the conclusion

In the methods section

In the appendix

Explanation

The literature review is typically found in the introduction of a research paper, where it sets the context for the new research.

Question 7

Basic multiple choice Understanding

What is a common misconception about literature reviews?

They exclusively contain new primary research

They summarize existing knowledge on a topic

Correct

They focus only on recent studies

They can include anecdotal evidence

Explanation

A common misconception is that literature reviews exclusively contain new primary research, while they actually summarize and synthesize existing knowledge.

Question 8

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] A graduate student is embarking on a literature review for their thesis on the effects of social media on mental health. They start by gathering various academic articles, some of which provide conflicting data. As they analyze the literature, they notice that several studies have inconsistent methodologies and sample sizes, leading to varying conclusions regarding social media's impact on anxiety and depression. The student must synthesize these findings to support their thesis effectively. Question: What is the most important consideration the student should prioritize when conducting their literature review based on the provided information?

Ensuring all studies are from the same geographical region for consistency.

Evaluating the methodologies used in the studies to determine the reliability of their conclusions.

Correct

Focusing solely on studies that support their thesis to maintain a clear argument.

Selecting the most recent articles to provide modern insights on the topic.

Explanation

The literature review requires careful analysis of methodologies to ensure a thorough and balanced integration of available data, and therefore, the student's primary focus should be on understanding how the studies were conducted to evaluate their findings accurately.

Question 9

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] A researcher is preparing a literature review on educational technology's impact on student engagement. They collect a diverse range of sources, including case studies, meta-analyses, and qualitative research articles. During the analysis, the researcher notes substantial variation in findings related to the types of technology used and their effects on engagement levels. They aim to draw a comprehensive understanding of how different technologies influence student engagement across various contexts. Question: What strategy would be most effective for the researcher to employ in synthesizing the information from these diverse sources?

Summarizing each article separately without attempting integration.

Creating a thematic analysis based on the types of technology and their reported effects on engagement.

Correct

Only referencing the most impactful studies that show significant results.

Excluding qualitative articles to focus solely on quantitative data, which is more reliable.

Explanation

Creating a thematic analysis is essential for synthesizing diverse information, as it helps the researcher to comprehend and present the ways different technologies influence engagement comprehensively.

Question 10

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] An undergraduate student is tasked with writing a literature review on the effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom settings. They gather various literature, including journal articles, research papers, and educational reports, which present opposing viewpoints. Some articles highlight the advantages of online learning in terms of flexibility and accessibility, while others emphasize the importance of face-to-face interaction for better learning outcomes. The student is now attempting to evaluate this literature to offer a balanced perspective. Question: What critical approach should the student take when integrating and evaluating the different viewpoints in their literature review?

Highlighting only the advantages of online learning to appeal to a more contemporary audience.

Evaluating the context in which each study was conducted to understand the applicability of the findings.

Correct

Providing equal weight to all studies regardless of their research quality.

Focusing on global literature only to exclude local studies that may skew the results.

Explanation

Evaluating the context of each study is critical because it helps ensure that the student understands the limitations, strengths, and applicability of the literature when comparing different educational methods.