Project or Thesis Literature Review Process

Do your students really know how to do research or a literature review? When asked to define literature review many, even upper level students were not be able to complete this task. Recommend students visit the library and set up a research consultation with a librarian.

Checklist for Faculty Advisors

Before embarking on synthesis, have your students successfully:

Searched past IQP & MQP projects, and thesis and reviewed those with similar methods/topics?
Checked web sources for bias, authority, accuracy and relevance?
Searched in specialized library databases by Topic area?
Utilized appropriate keywords, phrases (suggest they share research process with you, via Research Log; keyword log; or written reflection)?
Utilized advanced search techniques to broaden or narrow their search?
Identified key journals?
Multiple resource types used: web based, case studies, technical reports, books, journal articles, news, etc.?
Identified experts: scholars, associations, professional societies, international organizations?
Gathered appropriate statistical data?
Consulted with reference librarian to review & revisit research process (submit Research Consultation Request for a meeting)?

Literature Review Synthesis - Checklist

Have your students successfully:

Included seminal works (if you are not familiar with area of research, suggest students meet with a librarian, or contact experts/scholars)?
Integrated resources into a cohesive summary (ask students to analyze literature reviews that you feel are "good examples")?
Used signal phrases to indicate authorship and/or sources?
Appropriately documented sources?

To request research help for your students, contact research-lib@wpi.edu. If IQP or MQP, please specify on or off campus project.

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Last modified: May 22, 2007, 10:18 EDT