We run regular online presentations by guest speakers on different aspects of research. Recordings of past webinars are also available.
A collaboration between the Indigenous Research Network and the RMIT University Library, hear from Professor Gary Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Education, Research and Engagement, and Professor Matt Duckham, Director Information in Society Enabling Impact Platform (EIP), as they discuss and explore considerations and ethical implications inherent in open research practices involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In addition, we’ll gain insights from Indigenous researchers as we delve into the principles of ethical research. We’ll explore how to respect and uphold the integrity of Traditional Knowledge and cultural heritage in data sharing, publishing, citation practices and the ethical navigation required when working with Indigenous knowledge.
The Kaleide Theatre is located in Building 8, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Date, time & place: May 1, 2.00pm - 3.30pm at the Kaleide Theatre, and live streamed.
Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay
Broadly defined, a literature review is an analysis of the scholarly writings (the literature) which are relevant to your research topic. It usually forms the foundation of a research project (whether this is a research proposal, thesis, dissertation or a journal article) as it provides the context for your research.
The overall purpose of a literature review is to:
A literature review analyses relevant sources critically. It does not simply summarise different sources. It also needs to evaluate the literature. As such, a literature review differs from an annotated bibliography as it does not constitute a list of summaries of relevant sources.
There are a number of different types of reviews, following is a brief description of some review types.
Literature review - A literature review, also known as a narrative review, is the most common review type. Generally, it provides an examination of current literature of a topic area. The completeness and comprehensiveness of the literature included is subjective. Searches are usually limited and do not include quality assessment of the material. Typically, the synthesis is narrative, and analysis may be chronological, conceptual, thematic, etc.
The library guide Literature reviews provides guidance on starting a literature review, including resources, techniques and approaches to searching the literature and writing the review.
Systematic review - A systematic review seeks to systematically search for, appraise, and synthesise research evidence, adhering to guidelines on the conduct of a review. Aims for exhaustive, comprehensive searching. Quality assessment is carried out. Typically, narrative with tabular accompaniment. Synthesis outlines what is known and recommendations for practice, as well as recommendations for future research.
The library guide Systematic reviews outlines the process for conducting a systematic review.
Meta-analysis - A meta-analysis is a technique that statistically combines the results of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect of the results. Aims for exhaustive, comprehensive searching. May use a funnel plot to assess completeness. Quality assessment is carried out. Synthesis is graphical and tabular with narrative commentary. Numerical analysis of measures of effect are provided.
The library guide Systematic reviews briefly refers to meta-analyses.
Scoping review - A scoping review is a preliminary assessment of potential size and scope of available research literature. Aims to identify the nature and extent of research evidence by characterising quantity and quality of literature, perhaps by study design. Completeness of searching determined by time/scope constraints. No formal quality assessment is carried out. Synthesis is typically tabular with some narrative commentary. Attempts to specify a viable review.
Rapid review - A rapid review is an assessment of what is already known about a policy or practice issue, by using systematic review methods to search and critically appraise existing research. Completeness of searching determined by time constraints. Time‐limited formal quality assessment. Synthesis is typically tabular with some narrative commentary.
Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91-108. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x
Paré, G., Trudel, M.-C., Jaana, M., & Kitsiou, S. (2015). Synthesizing information systems knowledge: A typology of literature reviews. Information & Management, 52(2), 183-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2014.08.008
This Library guide by RMIT University Library is licensed under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence, except where otherwise noted. All reasonable efforts have been made to clearly label material where the copyright is owned by a third party and ensure that the copyright owner has consented to this material being presented in this library guide. The RMIT University logo is ‘all rights reserved’.